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Training of Brahmananda dasa (Letters, 1969)

Expressions researched:
"Account" |"Activities" |"BBF" |"BBFD" |"BBT" |"BKF" |"BTG" |"Back to Godhead" |"Bhaktivedanta Book Trust" |"Book Fund" |"Book Trust" |"Book Trust," |"Book" |"Books" |"Brahmananda" |"Brahmananda's" |"Branch" |"Branches" |"Business" |"Center" |"Centers" |"Check" |"Checks" |"Consult" |"Consulting" |"Cooperate" |"Cooperated" |"Cooperation" |"Cooperatively" |"Dai Nippon" |"Debt" |"Debts" |"Deities" |"Deity" |"Deposit" |"Distribute" |"Distributed" |"Distributing" |"Distribution" |"Duty" |"Festival" |"Finances" |"Financial" |"Funds" |"GBC members" |"GBC" |"Governing Board Commission" |"Governing Board Commissioners" |"Governing Body Commission" |"Governing Body Commissioners" |"ISKCON" |"Initiate" |"Initiated" |"Initiates" |"Initiating" |"Initiation" |"Initiations" |"Iskcon" |"Kirtana" |"Language" |"Leader" |"Leaders" |"Leadership" |"Leading" |"Literature" |"Literatures" |"M-V trust" |"M-V" |"M.V trust" |"Macmillan" |"Magazine" |"Magazines" |"Manage" |"Managed" |"Management" |"Managers" |"Managing" |"Manuscript" |"Manuscripts" |"Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust" |"Mayapura-Vrndavana Trust" |"Meeting" |"Mission" |"Missionary" |"Money" |"Movement" |"Organize" |"Our society" |"Preach" |"Preacher" |"Preaching" |"Press" |"Print" |"Printing" |"Program" |"Programs" |"Publication" |"Publications" |"Publish" |"Publishing" |"Rathayatra" |"Report" |"Reports" |"Sankirtana" |"Temple" |"Temples" |"The society" |"Translate" |"Translated" |"Translating" |"Translation" |"Translations" |"Zonal" |"Zone"

Correspondence

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 9 January, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 4, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents.

One thing that I beg to bring to your notice about the printing of my books. In 1954, I left my home, and for 5 years I lived as Vanaprastha here and there, and then in 1959 I took sannyasa. Of course even when I was a householder I was publishing Back To Godhead since 1947. But then my Spiritual Master dictated that I should take to writing books which will be a permanent affair. So after my acceptance of sannyasa I began working on Srimad-Bhagavatam and when the first canto was finished, with great difficulty I published the first volume in 1962, after leaving my home and after taking sannyasa and spending whatever cash money I had with me during the five years of my staying alone. Practically in 1960 I was penniless. Therefore I had to quickly take to publication of the first volume and after this I got some money just enough to pull on. In this way I published the 2nd volume in 1963 and the 3rd volume in 1965. Then I began to think of coming to your country, and somehow or other I was brought here. Now since I have come I am unable to publish the 4th volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam, but with your help and assistance, since 1965 this one book only has been published, and I do not know what this Dai Nippon Company is doing.

Anyway, I am very much anxious for getting my books published. The manuscripts which I presently have may be converted into eight different books of the same size which I generally publish, (400 pages). But I do not know how I will get them published. Last year when I was in India, I thought that Acyutananda would publish them in India but this boy could not help me in the least, and the net result is that I have lost my typewriter, and Rs 2000 are now in the dark well of Hitsaran. Acyutananda was sent about Rs 1000 plus he has collected a similar amount from the Dalmia Trust Fund. All of this has been lost for nothing.

Whatever is done is done. I am now very much serious about printing my books. There may be three sources for their printing. One source is that if the MacMillan Company is interested to publish my books that will be a great relief. I do not mind for the profit concerned. But I want to see them published. Another source is if MacMillan isn't interested, we can get them printed from Dai Nippon, but the delaying procedure of this company in Japan is not very encouraging. Therefore the next step would be to start our own press at New Vrindaban, because Hayagriva is ready to start a press there immediately, taking responsibility for the investment. He has told me that he could take a loan from his friend, Dr. Henderson. In this connection of purchasing a press I sent a list to be filled by the press men of New York telling of the prices of printing machines but there is no response. So I ask you what to do in this connection. Ultimately, if nothing is done, I shall be obliged to return to India for getting them published there.

I hope that by now you have already deposited the $1,300 in First National City Bank. So far as the profits from the store, you may do with them as you like. The temple needs maintenance and improvements, and also the book fund requires much funds. I require to have eight books published and on the price of $6,000 which is charged by Dai Nippon, I will require about $50,000 immediately. Selling or not selling, I want to see these books published. That is my ambition.

Regarding keeping my apartment, if you win the court case then keep this apartment until April when I shall arrive in New York, and then we shall decide whether or not to give it up.

So far as placing the Radha-Krishna and Lord Jagannatha deities in special order to one another, there is no set ruling. Simply make the altar look very attractive. As for the address in India which I would like one copy of Teachings of Lord Caitanya to be sent, I shall send it after confirmation that the books are completed.

I hope that you are well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. So far United Shipping Corporation is concerned, please let me know if their previous accounts are cleared off nicely. If their dealings are alright you can order them regularly & may open letter of credit. ACB

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1969:

It is very encouraging to note that you are receiving nice appreciations for the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and I have seen the two reviews which were sent by Brahmananda. They also appear to be nice, although one is not very favorable. However, this unfavorable review also proclaims that our Bhagavad-gita is distinct from all others. This point we want to advertise.

Thank you very much for the sandalwood and sweetpea oils that you have sent me. I was just thinking of these oils because my stock was just finished, and Krishna has sent it just in time through you. Please ask Brahmananda to send to me a list of the Gaudiya Math books which will be arriving in February, so I will then direct as to what shall be done with these books so far as distribution. Also, please keep me posted as to the progress with Dai Nippon.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969:

Regarding Sivananda, I am glad that he is doing nicely and improving in health. I am sending him herewith one note. I am glad that you have already ordered Bhagavad-gita copies from Brahmananda. Please try to introduce our books and literature as far as possible. Please write to me at least once in a week to inform me about your activities. I hope you will keep in touch with the news from London. They are very encouraging and hopeful.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969:

Regarding the mrdangas, certainly you have already given me some quotations but it is better to take fresh quotations in your next letter. It is understood that your books are already received in New York, and Brahmananda das Brahmacari is in charge. I shall advise him to send you the money soon.

Letter to Rayarama -- Unknown Place 18 January, 1969:

I am anxious to know if Brahmananda met the Ambassador of U.S.A., Mr. B. K. Nehru, with my books. If so how he was received and what talks were exchanged. He is very important man for our future activities. Please ask Brahmananda to write about Ambassador Nehru & the MacMillan contract. Gargamuni may be informed that I am in receipt of his letters regarding marriage with Karunamayi. I have already sanctioned the urge in Brahmananda's letter. I hope Brahmananda has already managed the affairs nicely. Convey my blessings to all my sons & daughters.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 18 January, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 14, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents. In my previous letter to you I inquired about the invoice sent by United Shipping Corp., but I have received no information about this from you. Please inform me in this connection in your next letter. I want to know whether the ________ from them $250.00?

Regarding Nara Narayana, I never advised him to organize a Sankirtana Party in New York. From the very beginning he was entrusted to cast Radha-Krishna murtis in brass. He tried it in so many ways but it was not practical. So at the present moment he is engaged there in preparing a dias and decorations for the temple. That should be his business. Next, if it is possible, let him cast some plaster of Paris Radha-Krishna murtis of the size you have got in the New York temple. If not, he may go for a few days to New Vrindaban and make schemes and plans for residential quarters and press accommodations, etc. If possible, Advaita may also go with him for a few days. In this connection correspondence may be opened with Hayagriva and Kirtanananda.

Regarding the press, as Advaita wants a little more time, so we should wait still for a few months more until he is confident to take the responsibility. Regarding the place for situating the press, in my opinion New Vrindaban is the best place. But I have no objection if it is started in any other place. But all circumstances and conditions must be taken into consideration before a final decision is made where to start the press. In New Vrindaban it is simply a question of providing a suitable place. I think that if we spend $1,000.00 for this purpose a very nice accommodation can be constructed there for locating our press. Whereas if we start in some city like New York or Los Angeles, for such accommodation we have to pay not less than $500 rent per month. So by spending two months rent we can have our own place with facility for further expansion. So these things have to be considered. There is now ample time, at least four months, so we should carefully think over these things.

I have seen the lotus sign with the word Iskcon on it, and I think that it is not acceptable. This is because one does not know where to start reading the letters. If you like to make a lotus flower for this, I have enclosed one picture which I have drawn and which you may consider. But Radha-Krishna must also appear on this letterhead.

Regarding the house in North Carolina, if Patita Uddharana's mother gives us permission to stay in this house for three months without any rent, then we can make an experiment. If this experiment is successful we can continue, otherwise we shall vacate the house. But also we must find a suitable person to go there. If she agrees, we can begin to make arrangements.

Our publication project is to finish Srimad-Bhagavatam. If we publish one volume for one canto, still it will not be less than 12 volumes. Besides this we have Nectar of Devotion and two or three more books. This means all together another fourteen of fifteen volumes at utmost. Of course this will take time, but it is our ambition. If the MacMillan Company is interested, they can immediately publish at least one volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam to make an experiment. They can either print the second canto in one volume, or the first canto may be edited by Hayagriva into one volume. So if they like, we can immediately hand over to them these manuscripts.

You are correct in your estimation that Dai Nippon is not to be blamed. It is our blame. In future we shall be careful and take into writing how much time they will take for each volume. When you print from Dai Nippon, the size of the books will be the same as Teachings of Lord Caitanya, but the pages will be from 350 to 400 pages. So you can try to fix up the time. Formerly they agreed to fix up their price at $5000. So immediately you make an understanding with them that just after receipt of Teachings of Lord Caitanya we will submit a manuscript of some other book. So both MacMillan and Dai Nippon should be utilized in this way, and as soon as we have our own press we shall divert our activities in this direction. I think this arrangement will be nice.

I have seen your circular about the mailing list and it is very nice. I have already asked Tamala Krishna to take the addresses of persons who are purchasing our Back To Godhead magazine. This idea is very nice.

Regarding Gargamuni's touring trip, he can take whomever he likes. If he finds somebody disturbing, this person need not be taken. But Gargamuni should not go alone—somebody must accompany him.

Bali Mardan has written to me to suggest that he begin working immediately to raise money for the book fund, but I think that first he may finish his schooling and then immediately begin working to raise money for our books.

Please keep me informed on the above points. I hope this finds you in good health.

Letter to Nara-narayana -- Los Angeles 23 January, 1969:

Now I have also read in your letter under reply that you are successfully engaged in Sankirtana Party activities in New York, and this too is encouraging to hear. So I think that you should be encouraged in this connection, but one thing is that your Sankirtana activities may go on as long as you are working under the sanction of Brahmananda, and he finds there to be no difficulties with this additional temple's activity. Sankirtana is very important service, so as far as Brahmananda feels there is no inconvenience upon other important engagements, you may continue in assisting the organizing of the New York temple's Sankirtana Party.

Letter to Himavati -- Los Angeles 24 January, 1969:

So far as the money which is owed to New York temple, I never suggested that you should send deity clothing for payment. But if Montreal owes $500 to New York then it must be payed, if not at a time, then gradually. That is your mutual account. If you actually owe some money to New York then you must try to pay it. If you are unable to pay, then I shall ask Brahmananda to square up the account, or if need be, I shall pay it from my book fund for you. So don't worry about it. There should be no misunderstanding on this point. It is departmental management only. The government has so many departments. One department pays another so there is no question of misunderstanding because you are all working for Krishna. In any case, the $500, if Montreal temple is unable to pay, then I shall ask Brahmananda to square it up, or if need be, I shall pay it.

Letter to Jagannathan Prabhu -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969:

NB: The set of books may also be sent to Brahmananda das Brahmacari c/o International Society for Krishna Consciousness, 61 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 30 January, 1969:

First of all I have to thank you for the desk pen with golden glories to Guru and Gauranga. It is so nice that I am using it with great pleasure, and you have the blessings of my Guru Maharaja and Lord Gauranga.

Regarding the United Shipping Corporation, you had sent me some documents which I actually do not understand. Why did you send them to me? Anyway, I am returning them to you so you may do the needful with them. In the meantime, I have sent one letter to a gentleman of the United Shipping Corporation, and you will see one copy of the letter enclosed. If they deal very nicely, you may assure them we shall send more orders to our different centers, and there will be no difficulty for a letter of credit. But they must deal with us very nicely and straightforwardly so our business connection can continue with no difficulty.

Our propaganda should be focused on spreading kirtana and distributing literature, books and magazines. The process experienced now is that after holding kirtana, they are selling magazines and books successfully. On January 1st, Hayagriva held one meeting in Columbia University with 60-65 students present, and after the meeting, 30 copies of Bhagavad-gita were immediately sold. So we should now organize in such a way that there shall be nice kirtana and attempt for selling our publications. My Guru Maharaja indicated that the mrdanga and the press are the mediums of our missionary propaganda activities, and we shall follow His path in the same way. We must have large quantities of mrdangas for vibrating in different parts of the world and we must distribute our literature also.

I have received one letter from Hayagriva saying that he is prepared to invest money for a press, and he has found out a nice two-story house adjacent to our New Vrindaban colony, and the house is on the roadside. The rent is only $260 per year. That is about $22 per month. So in this way we can immediately start our press. I think that our publications should be done ourselves immediately, because neither MacMillan Company nor Dai Nippon can help us rightly. If MacMillan Company publishes our books, they will ask us to make contract for purchasing 5000 copies, which I cannot advise as good plan for us. If we have to exert our energy for selling 5000 books published by MacMillan, why not publish them ourselves on our own press and obtain profit for printing new books? The best thing will be therefore to organize sales of our books as other publishers are doing. The simple and approved method is to appoint at least 1000 stores and booksellers who agree to purchase at least three copies apiece of our books as soon as they are published. This means that if we have 1000 dealers, we can immediately sell 3000 copies, and this will give us sustenance for conducting our publication activities. I do not think it is a very difficult task to appoint such selling agents throughout the country. So yourself and Gargamuni should take charge of this organization, and for press management others shall take charge. In this way, if we can work on our publications, all of our poverty shall immediately be subdued. So think over this matter seriously. Immediately consult with Hayagriva for starting the press. Let us not bother about the Macmillan Company, because they will only try to make conditions that we have to purchase 5000 copies.

Regarding Bhagavad-gitas which we have already received from them, I understand that we have to pay one mature bill on February 10th. So this bill we have to pay to keep our credit, whether the books are sold or not. But we should not place a second order until our present stock of books are finished. If you are in need of hard covered editions, try to order them without taking more soft covered copies which can not immediately sell. We have prepared to take delivery from them of 5000 copies, and this we shall do. But we shall order only as our stock is finished.

Regarding the second shipping from United Shipping Corp., you should have it sent also to New York. Firstly you may see the kholes before ordering the preferred instrument.

I hope this will meet you in very good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. The Press cutting sent by you is very nice. Every other organization has demand for money for their bogus classes but we don't demand any money. People should know this difference. I can challenge to all the other organizations that they are all bogus from spiritual point of view. I am admitted as Permanent Resident as "Ordained Minister of Religion". I have duly received the card. Now you shall pay me $500.00 for this because you were going to appoint some lawyer at the cost but I have obtained it simply by spending $35.00 or utmost $50.00. So you can pay me the balance. ACB

Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 31 January, 1969:

Regarding the press, I have already written to Brahmananda about this. We can risk $260 for renting one year the two-story house you mentioned. So immediately you should make arrangements for this.

Letter to Larry Snyder, Mark Perlman, John Curran -- Los Angeles 1 February, 1969:

So my advise to you is that you make a small center immediately, and, if possible, get some musical instruments from New York. Brahmananda will supply you with a mrdanga and a few pairs of cymbals.

Letter to Nara-narayana -- Los Angeles 1 February, 1969:

So far as kirtana party is concerned, you have well suggested to conduct the party under the good guidance of Rsi Kumar. He is a very expert devotee, and the kirtana party can be well managed under his guidance, and under the cooperation of Brahmananda.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1969:

I thank you very much for your kind letter dated February 1, 1969, and, in the meantime, my letters to you dated January 30, 1969 and February 1, 1969 respectively might have crossed. Most of the answers of your letter under reply will be found in these two letters. Please let me know if you have received them by now. If not, I will send you the carbon copies. So far as your letters are concerned, each and every one of them will be particularly answered, so there is no question of passing over your inquiries. Feelings of love are reciprocal, especially on the spiritual platform. I know what is your feelings about me, and in the same way I am always dependent on your kind affection.

Regarding printing at Dai Nippon, we have got to print so many books for which manuscripts are ready. So, pending the decision of starting our own press or having MacMillan print the Srimad-Bhagavatam, immediately we may begin printing of our books from Dai Nippon. If they agree to print 5,000 copies of 400 pages at their agreed rate of $5,000 that is good. So far the sample of print, the binding, and the size of the book is concerned, that is now all settled. The only thing is they must give us a definite date of delivery of printed books, and they must agree to the formerly stipulated price. If there is no question of delay we can immediately hand over the manuscript either of the second canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam or Nectar of Devotion. If MacMillan Company is interested in Srimad-Bhagavatam, then negotiate the transaction, and by the 15th of March we can deliver them the complete revised version of the 1st canto. So far as I understand, they will print the first canto to see the result. In case they agree to continue printing of Srimad-Bhagavatam, then we shall stop printing at Dai Nippon, and MacMillan will be handed over the charge for all other cantos. If their experiment on the 1st canto does not become successful, then let us go on printing all other cantos as usual. This is my decision, and you can arrange accordingly.

So far as Back To Godhead is concerned, Purusottama has appointed one selling agent in Los Angeles who has agreed to take 400 copies per month. There are at least 300 big cities in your country, and if we can appoint one selling agent only in each city, consuming an average of 100 copies only, the total quantity comes to 30,000 copies. This is not an Utopian idea. It is completely practical. Simply we have to arrange and organize. To distribute 100 copies in a big city like Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco is not at all difficult. Simply it requires the talent of organization. So expecting on this calculation that in the near future we shall be able to distribute at least 30,000 copies of Back To Godhead, you can immediately take quotation from Dai Nippon for regular 20,000 copies minimum per month. If their quotation is suitable, we will immediately take the risk and print 20,000 copies per month.

Regarding advertisements in Back To Godhead, I am not at all in favor of it. I was obliged to suggest you take advertisements because the magazine was not coming regularly due to lack of funds, but practically I see the magazine is not improving by accepting these advertisements. So in the future, say after the next issue, we shall stop taking advertisements because it is not satisfactory. If we print, however, 20,000 copies, we can accept one page of advertisements, fixing up our rate at not less than $100 per page. And this advertisement also must be to our scrutinization. We cannot accept advertisement from anyone and everyone, rather it will be our motto to avoid advertisements. So far as I know, in India, the Kalyana Kalpataru paper edited by Hanuman Prasad Poddar, does not accept any advertisements. Nor do they review any nonsense book published by others, and they have got respectable position. Similarly we have to create a respectable position for our Back To Godhead. Actually, it is the only single paper of its nature, describing the science of God in full detail, published in the western world. Our Vaisnava religion is so vast that we can supply millions of pictures and hundreds and thousands of literary contributions in this paper. In Christian religion they have got pictures like the Crucifixion and a few similar others. In the Buddhist religion they have got the picture of the Lord Buddha. In Mohammedan religion they have got picture of Mecca Medina, and I do not know what is the picture in the Jewish religion. But so far as our Krishna Consciousness is concerned, we can supply millions of pictures of Krishna, Visnu, and Their multi-incarnations, as well as Their transcendental Pastimes. So we have to create a unique position for this paper, at least in the western world. Anyway, that will depend upon our future capacity, but for the time present we can immediately take quotation from Dai Nippon what they will charge us for 20,000 copies every month. Now I have given my definite opinion about printing my books at Dai Nippon and printing Back To Godhead, so you can do the needful.

Regarding my teaching in different universities, you will be pleased to know that recently I got one letter from Cultural Integration Fellowship President, Dr. Haridasa Chaudhuri. He has appreciated my book, and he remarks as follows: "The book is without doubt the best presentation so far to the western public of the teachings of Lord Krishna from the standpoint of Vaisnava tradition and devotional Hindu mysticism." So actually this is the correct position of our Krishna Consciousness movement. There are religious classes held in almost every university of your country, and they are eager also to study different kinds of religions. So far as Bhagavad-gita is concerned, there is no doubt about it that I am the only authority in your country in this matter. Nobody can speak on the Bhagavad-gita so authoritatively as I can do. That is a fact. So if the university wants to take advantage of this opportunity, even in this old age I can go from one university to another, and I am sure they can learn from me only the true teachings of the Bhagavad-gita; from me and from my students who are already trained up in this connection. So, if something can be done in this connection, it will help our missionary propaganda, and the students shall get new light from our book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

So, I am so much obliged to you that you are trying to get my books published somehow or other. I can simply pray to Krishna for your long life and valuable service to Krishna. Thanking you once more for your letter.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I understand that you are anxious to get me in New York. So if you like I can go immediately as I have no serious engagement now in the western part of your country.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1969:

As for printing of the books, I have already answered this in the letter to Brahmananda, and you can see it.

Letter to Manager of First National City Bank of New York -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

Letter to: Manager of First National City Bank of New York

Los Angeles

7 February, 1969

69-02-07

Manager

First National City Bank of New York

Grand Street and Bowery

New York, New York

Re: ACCOUNT # SAVINGS 0420-1620-131

Dear Sir:

With reference to the above account, I beg to point out that on January 6, 1969, after depositing $1,306.86, the balance in my favor was $8,363.88. So after depositing another $199 on February 3, 1969, you have shown a balance of $7,156.27. I do not know why there is this difference. Kindly let me know by return of mail. Also, please note down my above change of address. Thanking you anticipation of your early reply.

Yours truly,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Copy forwarded to Brahmananda for necessary action. ACB

Letter to Nara-narayana -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

I beg to thank you very much for your letter pointing out some of the discrepancies of many of the devotees in New York. You are correct regarding the items which you have stated, such as sleeping in front of the deities, eating in front of the deities, taking of unoffered foodstuffs, drinking water from the bathroom, and non-chanting of rounds. But the thing is discipline can not be observed unless there is obedience. As you are obedient to me, you should be similarly obedient to my representative. Your statement about Brahmananda that he is a wonderful devotee is 100% agreed by me. He is in charge of the New York center, and, therefore, if proper obedience is not given to him it will be impossible for him to manage the affairs of the temple. Under the circumstances, the discrepancies you have observed in the temple may be referred to him, and he is quite reasonable, and will handle the matter with the respective devotees. Please don't you take any direct actions because it will cause disruption. You are a very talented boy, and I have every confidence in you, so I hope you will do this and oblige.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your two letters, one of February 2, and one of February 3, 1969. Enclosed is one letter to Nara Narayana which will serve as answer to the letter of February 2nd. I am also enclosing a letter I have sent today to the First National City Bank of New York, and you will please note the contents. Regarding your questions about Dai Nippon, United Shipping, etc. these have already been replied to in my letter to you of February 5, 1969, and I hope you have received this letter by now.

I hope that you have by now found out the address of the boys in Florida whose letter I have sent to you to be forwarded on to them. Also, as you have already been informed by telephone, Dai Nippon should send by the 20th of February, 1969, two demo copies of the Teachings of Lord Caitanya title jacket to the following address: Y. Jagannatham, 81 Navrang, 8th Floor, Peddar Road, Bombay-26, INDIA.*

I hope this will meet you in very good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

NB: The title cover of Teachings of Lord Caitanya which you have sent to me is very nice. I hope that you have already taken care of the one typographical error on the inside flap, but otherwise, it is completely satisfactory.

*On hearing from you about this I shall write him letter.

Letter to Tirtha Maharaja -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

have already established the following centers:

1. New York INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS

61 Second Avenue

New York, NY

President: Brahmananda das Brahmacari (Bruce Scharf)

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 13 February, 1969:

Regarding Bhagavad-gita if you have not yet received them, just take the rate of air-cargo carrying from Germany to New York. If it is not prohibitive, then you can ask immediately Brahmananda to send by air-cargo.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 17 February, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated February 9, and February 10, 1969, as well as today I have received the article which was written by Howard Smith. Regarding the books, True Conception of Religion and Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, for True Conception you may send 40 cents per copy to S. Brahmacari, and you may send $2.55 per copy to Swami Bon. As we are printing Nectar of Devotion, this is the summary study of Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, there is no need of further ordering this book from India.

Regarding Back To Godhead, if Dai Nippon will come down to $1,500 for 20,000 copies, or even if they charge a little more, we should immediately accept, setting the magazine at first at 32 pages, one only color cover picture as in issue number 22, and three black and white pictures within, and no advertisements. It should all be reading matter of Krishna Consciousness articles. I am negotiating with the principle centers for consuming 5,000 copies at least and paying $750 contribution no matter if the copies are sold or not. The price should be 50 cents, and the paper's quality may be as it is now. In that way set up negotiations so that from number 25, we may be able to print from Dai Nippon, and they have to deliver 10,000 copies to Los Angeles or San Francisco, 5,000 to New York and 5,000 to London. These four centers may distribute the issues to the smaller centers as they are able.

I have seen the article in the Village Voice, and it is nice. If you are expecting good rush in New Vrindaban, then arrange for proper development of it. But pending all development there, we must get our books and magazines printed from Dai Nippon. Have you negotiated with Dai Nippon about further books? If they agree, we can immediately arrange to print 2 or 3 books by some arrangement. Please immediately send me dried mango. It is my daily food, and it keeps me fit. So you should regularly send the same quantity every month as you sent last time. That is your personal contribution to me.

So you and Gargamuni take charge of distributing the books, and you study other methods of how to do this. If distribution of my books is fixed up then my life is fixed up in your country for the remaining days of my present body. Please therefore do it seriously. I am pleased that you are willing to take charge of the printing of my books. Krishna has desired like that, so you try to execute this implicit order of Krishna. Actually, by your grace, these two publications are already in the light, so your service in this connection is approved by Krishna and naturally by me also. So you try in this line. I am sure you will be successful, assisted by your good brother, Gargamuni. It is good that you are contacting distributers. You should offer them the best terms.

Please send to me the address of Satyavrata (Stanley Moskowitz). I would like to send to him one copy of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Regarding your need for a typist. Try to find out somebody to help you for now. If need be, when I go to New York in April I shall arrange for someone to type for you. Regarding the departments not contributing to the temple, this is not very satisfactory situation. The method of contributing should be those who are not married should contribute all their income to the temple. Those who are married should contribute 50%. That should be the principle of contribution of the members and followers of the Krishna Consciousness movement. So if there are problems in this matter, discuss it in the board meetings. If such things are not settled there, then what is the meaning of this board of trustees? The local management of affairs must be decided by the board, and that decision should be final.

Regarding MacMillan's bill, whatever you have collected immediately send to them. For the bill which I have, I will send it sometimes this week. I have received checks from Boston for $25 and from Buffalo for $69. So I will send these too, but why are the centers sending this money to me? Please advise them all to send them directly to you so there needn't be this botheration from this end.

Please convey my blessings to the other devotees at the New York temple. I hope this will meet you in good health and cheerful mood.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 17 February, 1969:

Regarding your reprinting of my letters, if you will not detract from your other important engagements you may do it. I have written to Brahmananda about distributing our books, and should assist him in this important matter.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 20 February, 1969:

Regarding printing 20,000 copies of Back To Godhead, I have appealed to 4 centers, namely New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London to contribute $750 monthly. I have got confirmation from Los Angeles, so I shall be glad to hear from New York also whether this center is going to hand over to me $750 per month. I have no objection if this $750 is collected in the way of advertisements from New York, but charges will be increased because we are going to print 20,000 copies henceforward. So we shall charge $100 per page and we shall not accept any advertisements from the hippies. So who is going to pay me this $750? If I get $750 from the 4 centers, then I shall take charge of distribution; because Brahmananda has already taken responsibility for distributing the books.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 22 February, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated February 19, 1969 and I am so glad to learn that the New York temple will be able to meet the $750 monthly payments I requested. So far as Dai Nippon's quotation at $2,100 for 20,000 copies with a sixty day period before delivery, please send me the original letter if you have received anything. But I had understood that Brahmananda was negotiating to lessen the amount to $1,500. From your letter I see you did not understand that I meant the typesetting and layout work to be done by Dai Nippon within the quotation. But now I understand that they are going to charge more for this work. If we have to pay them more for the typesetting and layout, then there is no question of stopping our own men from doing this work. So it was clearly misunderstanding.

Letter to Bhurijana -- Los Angeles 25 February, 1969:

Regarding Lord Caitanya's birth date, it is March 4, and you may celebrate it as elaborately as is possible for you. Immediately you should contact Brahmananda in New York, and ask him to send you a few chapters of Teachings of Lord Caitanya which you will return afterwards.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 27 February, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February 25, 1969, and I thank you very much for it. You have written to say that you are my disobedient son, but I think I am your disturbing father. I am putting more and more burden upon you but you are so tolerant that you have no hesitation to accept my demands even although sometimes they are unreasonable. So practically you are acting as my father. In my childhood I was very naughty boy, and I used to catch my father in so many ways demanding unreasonable things, and my father used to satisfy me. So although I lost my father in 1930, about 40 years ago, by Krishna's Grace I have got so many American young fathers. But the same nature continues, and I am demanding from my fathers the same thing which may be a little burdensome. But I am sure Krishna will be very much pleased if you will kindly tolerate some unreasonable demands from me.

I thank you very much for your giving me your pledge that you will give me $750 per month for 5,000 copies of Back To Godhead. Similar assurance I have got from the other centers. So by calculation I shall be able to collect $3,000 per month of which $2,000 or less, as you may arrange, will be paid for the price of printing, and the balance will be spent for free distribution of copies to institutions, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and respectable individual persons. I understand that for posting magazines in large scale the rate is 3 cents or 4 cents, so I have advised Subala to take definite information in this connection for posting Back To Godhead in large scale. I quite agree with your proposal that for small centers like Montreal, Buffalo, etc. as stated by you the New York center will be the distributer; this is nice.

Regarding your kirtana success in Pennsylvania at Dickenson College and Franklin and Marshall, it is so much pleasing to me. This is the way of our preaching work. Please try to infuse this Krishna Consciousness idea amongst the student community and it will be a great success. On the whole, we shall now make it a point to spread this Sankirtana movement and distribute our publications.

I am anxious to know if you have received the newly dispatched kholes from India because it was due to arrive before February 4th. Is this dock strike still going on? In London there is a good demand for Back To Godhead, and if the dock strike is still going on, you can send them by air cargo shipment. Similarly, Gaurasundara and Krishna das are also in need of books. Kindly see that the supplies are made regularly. When you send news of successful kirtana performances as I received it from London also, and so also I experience personally in Los Angeles, I am overwhelmed with spiritual joy. We don't mind for selling our literature in small quantity, but there must be some sale.

Regarding our record, it was manufactured by Mr. Kallman, and he has not paid me a single farthing as royalties. He has cheated me in so many ways, so if there is no legal impediment we must immediately reprint the record through Dinesh. I have already advised him in this connection.

Regarding your endeavor to arrange my teaching in colleges, it is very, very welcome. I was just seeking this opportunity to teaching boys and girls in the schools, colleges and universities. So if such opportunities are available you must capture them without any fail. I have already sent you one check being the value of the books as well as the money I have received from Boston and Buffalo, namely $69 and $25. So if it is not the price of the books then you can take it out and deposit it in my account in the First National City Bank.

Regarding my apartment, if you are feeling botheration then you can vacate. Do not take unnecessary botherations. Try to become free from all this material anxiety. Of course, sometimes we have to accept anxiety for Krishna, but we should do everything comfortably. So you will kindly send me at least two letters in a week because I am always anxious to hear from you. May Krishna's blessings be bestowed upon you for your long life and service.

Thanking you once more. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 February, 1969:

About Sankirtana movement, in New York, Brahmananda has also begun Sankirtana in different colleges, and I quote herewith a few lines from his letter; "You will be pleased to know that we had a very successful kirtana engagement at two colleges in Pennsylvania, Dickenson College and Franklin and Marshall. At Dickinson the students were so enthusiastic that practically all of them (50 at least) were all dancing, what to speak of everyone singing and clapping. Even the professor, a dried stick scholar, danced in ecstasy." So in the future we will stick to the principle of Sankirtana movement and distributing our Back To Godhead specifically and the other literature generally. I am pleased to note that you are printing up 10,000 copies of the Prospectus of our society. Also your proposal of getting 1,000 subscribers to Back To Godhead from London alone is very encouraging and please do it. You should send your activities report every month in short for publication in Back To Godhead.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 29 February, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February 26, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents. Regarding the distribution of Teachings of Lord Caitanya, the principle will be that 60% will go to the book fund, and the rest will go to you as the distributer. So you may offer to the temples whatever is suitable. But you will be the sole distributer and the book fund will get 60%.

Regarding the Back To Godhead scheme, the idea is that you pay $750 and receive 5,000 copies. Now you distribute this as you like. If you sell for 50 cents per copy, then it comes to $2,500, but I do not think it will be possible to sell them all at 50 cents retail price. So you appoint stores to sell copies, and you will get 30 cents per copy for these without fail. You are purchasing for 15 cents so even selling wholesale you make profit of 15 cents. If you sell 3,500 copies at wholesale price, then the intake is $1,050. If you are not able to sell all of the copies, then still you should have an income profit of at least $500, selling at wholesale price. If you make more profit you should do so, and I have no objection. But whatever you sell after the 1,500 copies sold retail is profit for your temple. What ever balance has not been sold will be distributed free, and you should apply for concession rates at the Post Office. In Los Angeles, we have already applied, and the postal charge will be about 3 cents or 4 cents per issue. So as far as I am concerned, I shall collect about $3,000 monthly. Out of this, $2,000 is to be paid to Dai Nippon, and I will keep $1000. Out of this amount, the postal charges will take about $300-400, and the balance $600 I shall spend for developing of the press department. So from Back To Godhead I don't want anything for my book fund. I simply want my books to be nicely distributed.

As for someone to help you distribute books on the West Coast, I understand that Jayananda has volunteered for this assignment, and you can decide who you will like. So far as the list of distributers you have sent to Purusottama, they have been contacted, and they are waiting to see the first printed copies before any decision is discussed. But Purusottama will travel with me. That is certain. For the time being, I am going to Hawaii, and there is no sufficient place for him there. Therefore I am going alone. If there is a separate apartment available, then I shall call him there also. Otherwise, I shall come back within one month to Los Angeles, and then I shall go to New York, so you can make arrangements accordingly. This is my present program.

I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

NB: You may send future mail to Hawaii center.

P.S. I shall be glad to hear from you if my idea of distribution is appropriate. I am going to Hawaii on Monday at 10:45 A.M. Kindly send the dry mango as usual to Hawaii temple address.

Letter to Raj Dewan -- Hawaii 8 March, 1969:

I am so pleased to receive your letter dated Feb. 20th, 1969, Swami B. D. Madhava of Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math has kindly requested you to contact me so I am so much thankful to both of you. He is my God-brother. The books mentioned by you can exactly be had from Gaudiya Math, Kali Prasad Cakravarti Lane, Bagh Bazar, Calcutta-3, India. Some of the books mentioned by you are sometimes imported by my New York center, and the manager in charge is Sriman Brahmananda Brahmacari, ISKCON Temple, 61 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10003.

There are other books also, namely, Srimad-Bhagavatam in 3 volumes, Bhagavad-gita As It Is-published by MacMillan company, and Teachings of Lord Caitanya, etc. written by me.

I am forwarding your letter to Sriman Brahmananda and you can also contact him in this connection.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 10 March, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 5, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. The letter heading is very nicely set up but the color black is not so attractive. It should have been two colors as you suggested, namely violet and black. I am pleased that you are going to have two color set up next printing. I thank you very much for your nice sentiments so expressed in this letter; that I am not unreasonable—rather you have taken the responsibility on your part. Actually we are all conditioned souls so our demand from Krishna to accept us is unreasonable. From my personal point of view, I think that I am so sinful that I cannot even approach Krishna to show me any favor. But I have only one hope—my Spiritual Master—He is very kind. So someway or other He is dragging me towards Krishna. That is the only hope. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta says therefore: Guru Krishna. By the mercy of the Spiritual Master, and by the mercy of Krishna, one gets into Krishna Consciousness. Narada Muni is our original Spiritual Master and he has dragged so many fallen souls towards Krishna, and we are also hoping to be dragged by Him through the disciplic succession. Otherwise, if we study our own qualifications, there is none—rather I have got so many disqualifications.

Regarding United Shipping Corporation, I think our former accounts for $250 due from them is by this time squared up by supply of goods, etc. I have separately ordered one small consignment for Los Angeles, and let me see how they supply. Next order will follow from Hawaii. The shipping arrangement to the Western coast should be more carefully done.

Regarding Teachings of Lord Caitanya distribution, it is a fact that you are the sole distributer. But now that you have already instructed Dai Nippon to dispatch two separate consignments, I think that if you now change the decision, it will again be perturbing for them and things may be delayed. Better not to give them any adverse instruction at this late hour. But you can send your bill to Purusottama in Los Angeles for the L.A. consignment. The bill should be paid to you . That will save you botheration from distributing again from New York. In other words, as soon as the bill is submitted by you, it means that it has been dispatched from your stock.

Regarding distribution of Back To Godhead in India by the Universal Book Distributers: I have read the letter sent by them and I do not think it is very practical. I am returning herewith the letter as desired by you for keeping in your file, and you can reply them on the following points:

1. That you submit us every month a list of 1000 libraries. We shall dispatch free copies from here directly, and we shall print your name as the sole distributer in India, provided:

2. When you receive orders or inquiries from such parties, you immediately order from us at least 500 copies lot and we shall deliver you C.I.F. less 40% on the face value. The present face value is $.50 per copy. Payment: cash on delivery. On receipt of your confirmation, we shall send you the appointment letter and the business will begin.

3. You shall send us regularly 1000 new addresses every month, and we shall post copies to them from this end.

In this way, you can write to them.

Another thing, the Library of Congress has got one agency in India, and they have recognized my Srimad-Bhagavatam, you know it. And they have open order for 18 copies of each volume as soon as published. Why not bring this fact to the Librarian of Congress, and introduce my other books, including Bhagavad-gita, TLC, etc.? And there are so many public libraries, and university libraries also, who may receive them. So, business has to be organized and I hope you will do the needful.

Regarding Back To Godhead circulation: I shall be glad to know what is the decision of the National Distributer. Whether you have received any reply from the Japanese printer about BTG.

I wish to go to New York by the first week of April, because after finishing in N.Y., I shall have to go to Boston. And when I come back from Boston by the middle of May, then we go to New Vrindaban, and if possible we make arrangements for starting the press. In the meantime, the press men, and managers and every one should be ready. If the press can manage to print 20 to 25,000 of BTG, and 5000 copies each of my books, I think that will be sufficient engagement for the newly started press.

Please convey my blessings to everyone there, and I hope you are all well and happy.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I may go to San Francisco from Hawaii and from there I shall go to New York, otherwise, you will have to arrange for my ticket from Hawaii to N.Y., a very long distance.

I have received one enquiry from __ __ ___ letter and copy of my reply and endorsed herewith. Please do the needful. ACB

I have received the Mango pulp dry for which thank you. Please send it at regular interval because I eat it daily with my lunch.

Letter to Swami Bhaktivedanta -- Hawaii 14 March, 1969:

Q. 3. Curriculums: Study of Bhagavad-gita As It Is; Srimad-Bhagavatam; (3 vol.); Nectar of Devotion; Teachings of Lord Caitanya; Vedanta Sutra. (In this way, arrange the curriculum program around these our books, and the professors, those who have been with us ample time, such as Brahmananda, Hayagriva, Kirtanananda, and have also academic qualifications). This is the complete course requiring to study 7 years. When the first exam is given the student making passing grade is given the title of Bhakti-sastri, second exam, Bhaktivaibhava, 3rd exam, Bhaktivedanta.

Q. 4. (answered above)

Q. 5. Personal conduct: Our four principles of restriction, no illicit sex, no gambling, no intoxication, no meat eating.

Q. 6. Yes, Gaudiya Vaisnava Society in India. 60 missions. Hqtrs. P.O. Mayapur, Dist. Nadia; West Bengal, India.

Q. 7. ?

Q. 8. Requirements are as follows: They should attend class in the mornings from 7 to 8 a.m., then during lunch hold kirtana, then from 12 to 4 sankirtana party, evening arati, and MWF evening classes.

Q. 9. July 1966;/?. Registration of the society in New York under the religious act of the state and the copy was submitted to your officer who came to inquire in Los Angeles, and here is the copy of the letter wherein it is admitted that the certificate of incorporation is seen by Mr. R. E. Davis, LTC, AGC, Assistant Area Coordinator.

Q. 10. Yes coed. List to be submitted. (list all members of all temples to be sent by all temples, as you request.)

Q. 11. Faculty and degrees and academic or religious accomplishments: (list all names of members who have such, as Brahmananda, Hayagriva, Satyabhama, Kirtanananda, Lilavati, etc. who have academic background qualifications).

Letter to Advaita -- Hawaii 16 March, 1969:

We have got our project of constructing seven temples in New Vrindaban. And unless we get money from any other source, we have to earn this money by our press activities. So your responsibility is going to be very heavy. You have to give us nice printed books, and magazines, literature, and the sales organization will be done by Brahmananda, as he is contemplating to separate the department into ISKCON books for promoting the sale of our publications. This is very nice idea. So let us conjointly serve Krishna with our life, money, intelligence, and words, and this is the recommendation of Srimad-Bhagavatam for fulfilling the mission of human life.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Hawaii 18 March, 1969:

Regarding Srimad-Bhagavatam: No it is not possible to delete so much of the books. We will print it ourselves. We do not find any special facility being published by MacMillan, so we shall publish on our own press. That is the best idea. And Brahmananda is organizing a special department for book selling.

Letter to Brahmananda -- The Macmillan Company A SUBSIDIARY OF CROWELL COLLIER AND MACMILLAN, INC. 866 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022 March 19, 1969:

The Macmillan Company

A SUBSIDIARY OF CROWELL COLLIER AND MACMILLAN, INC.

866 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022

March 19, 1969

Mr. Bruce Scharf

International Society For Krishna Consciousness Inc.

61 Second Avenue

New York, N.Y.

LT_690319_E1

Dear Bruce:

Shortly before his tragic and recent death Father Merton asked us to assign copyright for his "appreciation" to him in order to clear the way for a possible and future edition of his uniform collected works and essays. We promised to do so.

I would appreciate it very much if you would have Swami sign both assignment copies, with you as witness, and return them to us. This does not detract in any substantial way from the Swami's copyright and is, I think, a generous gesture made to the memory of Thomas Merton.

Cordially,

James O. Wade

Editor

JOW/pw

Enc.

Cc: Mrs. Carlton, Contracts.

(Forwarded to Brahmananda for necessary action. ACB)

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 19 March, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated March 15, 1969, with enclosures. Regarding L.A. consignment:* It has nothing to do with your business. I have already advised them to send their bill separately and the payment also will be made separately. It has nothing to do with your transaction. You just complete your transaction with them about balance money due from them. This is the idea.

The application which you have sent for filling up appears to be little puzzling for me. So far I understand from the statement, I shall have to stay there in N.Y. but I do not know whether I shall be able to stay for such long time as 7 or 15 weeks.

Therefore, I think the best thing will be if you take up this class—that will be nice—because you are residing there.

Regarding MacMillan Company, if they have not replied your letter, then forget. We shall publish our own books. You organize the sales promotion. Neither I want to shorten the Srimad-Bhagavatam. We should not count on them—let us try for our own publications.

I have received the dust cover of Teachings of Lord Caitanya, but I think the paper is not as polished, as shiny, as the first one was.

Letter to Brahmananda, Hayagriva, Tamala Krsna, Umapati, Dayananda -- Hawaii 21 March, 1969:

Enclosed you will find the copy of a letter received by me from the draft board. Please read over it and decide what is to be done. You can consult together on this matter and get whatever information is required by them. And let me know in your next letter about the matter.

Hope this meets you in good health,

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

CC: New York, Los Angeles, New Vrindaban

P.S. I think I will have to reply to the Draft board by next week.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 23 March, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter of March 19, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Yes, you can accept the class on the 8th instant in the City College. I am going to S.F. on the 31st, so on receipt of your passage money, I shall start on the 7th April, reaching N.Y. sometimes in the evening. And I shall be glad to meet the people from the New College while I am there, as well as Seton Hall College. I would like $100 per lecture.

So far BTG advertisement is concerned, we can accept advertisement in this way—that only two lines shall be mentioned of the name and address of the advertiser, as follows: This space donated by such and such. That means we can add their name and address only, and the nature of their business. The charges for this sort of advertisement should be inside $100 and when on the cover page, $200. In other words, if they are prepared to pay $200 per month, then we can publish one Krishna picture with these lines only (two lines), that this space is donated by such and such. Henceforward, we shall very much be cautious to accept bona fide advertisement, if we do accept it at all.

Regarding Brijbasi printing our books: I do not think they can compete with the Japanese people, at least in the matter of make-up. Because I know there is only one or two presses in India who can actually do very nice work, and I do not expect any first class work at least for books, in the Brijbasi press. Besides that, from our past dealings with them it is our experience that they took too long to supply our pictures, more than a year. This means the management is not very efficient. I think therefore the proposal is not practical. If the Japanese people do not agree to print on our terms then the next step is to start our own press without any controversy.

Yes, we must set up our society as a school as best we can—I have already sent you letter. Please formulate the whole curriculum because we have to immediately submit to the Draft department and if this is accepted that will be great gain for our society. "Bhakti-sastri" is awarded after extensive study of Bhagavad-gita, Easy Journey, and Nectar of Devotion. "Bhakti-vaibhava" is awarded after study of Vedanta-sutra and Srimad-Bhagavatam on a preliminary basis; and "Bhaktivedanta" the highest title, is awarded after extensive study of Caitanya-caritamrta. (TLC)

(PAGE MISSING)

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 24 March, 1969:

I have already written to Purusottama about TLC consignment and probably you might have received letter from him by now. Regarding Dai Nippon negotiation, I never told you to stop such negotiation and I do not know why you should be disturbed by seeing my letter to Advaita. If Dai Nippon negotiation is successful you can make contract as you think best. My suggestion to Advaita was that in case of Dai Nippon negotiation not being successful, then we shall give attention for starting our own press. On the whole, if Dai Nippon agrees to our printing work, I have already written to you that is very nice, but in case they do not agree then we must consider our own press, as that is the only alternative.

Regarding TLC consignment: It is understood that the stock sent to L.A. is a portion of your N.Y. stock—suppose the stock is all with you—simply forget that the stock has traveled to L.A.—now how would you want to handle it and distribute it? So think in this way. However you would handle it in N.Y., just simply do it in the same way—only for convenience sake, the stock is lying in L.A. You simply instruct L.A. how to handle and distribute it, and they will do. Have them take the books to a customer, and send you the bill, and the customer will pay you directly in N.Y. So you arrange the charges, and keep the accounts with you. So far the responsibility of the shipment is concerned, Jayananda and Tamala Krishna will take full responsibility jointly. I shall write to them in this connection, or send them a copy of this letter.

I hope you are well; I am receiving many letters daily, therefore there was some delay in your letter reply last week. I shall meet with you on the 7th* of next month and we shall be able to discuss things at length, so do not be disturbed in the meantime. I hope all is going nicely there, and convey my blessings to all your God-brothers and God-sisters.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*Please consult with Dindayal and fix my program by mutual agreement.

Letter to Dayananda -- Hawaii 26 March, 1969:

When I was in L.A. it was reported that 10 books of Bhagavad-gita were stolen. So this is not very good. So I hope you will take proper care. In this connection, the copies of the letter which I have sent Brahmananda is enclosed within. Also I am enclosing herewith one copy of the letter addressed to the manager of Equitable Savings, Fairfax branch, so please see them conveniently and inquire what is to be done in this connection.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 27 March, 1969:

As there are so many engagements in L.A. and in S.F. now I fix up my program as follows: The meeting in City College instead of on the 8th, Tuesday, push it to the 10th, Thursday, and up to the 15th or 16th of April you can make other engagements if possible. On the 18th Rupanuga wants me there in Buffalo. He wants to stay me there until the 23rd, then I shall go to Boston. Then if necessary I may come back to New York from New Vrindaban, or we shall talk when we meet. In the meantime I have received one letter from Subala, in which it is stated that on receipt of the final press proof of BTG from Dai Nippon we shall have to arrange for a letter of credit. But this arrangement is not very palatable to me, because in the last transaction, TLC, we arranged for the credit note at the cost of about $200. In this way they charged $25, for transferring the money to Japan, and they might have charged again such $25, I do not know. And on $6000, with 5% interest for 4 months, it comes to $100. So in total we have lost nearly $200. So this letter of credit is not possible. But one thing can be done, that on receipt of the press proof, you can pay your share, nearly $750, and the balance that is $1350 will be paid on delivery of shipping documents. That I shall arrange.

I shall be looking forward to seeing you all on the 9th of April, and hope you are all well and happy.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 1 April, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 26, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the letter to the draft board, I would like that you boys may decide among yourselves what is to be done. When you have decided amongst yourselves, send it to me and I shall sign. I understand that Tamala Krishna has contacted a lawyer in Los Angeles, so you may contact Tamala Krishna to see what he has learned.

Regarding my coming to New York next week, you may immediately send tickets from Los Angeles to New York for April 9, 1969. Murari will be coming to work as my attendant but as he already has a ticket, you need send tickets only for myself and for Purusottama.

I hope this will meet you all in good health, and I shall be happy to see you once again when I arrive on the 9th.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

NB: If Purusottama's ticket is to be student fare, then please send him one student card and identification.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 3 April, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 29, 1969, with enclosures. I am glad that you have received the consignment from Calcutta, and when I go to New York, I shall see what is the quality of the khole. Then if it is nice, we shall have to order many kholes like that.

Your statement that my visit in New York for only eight days causes you sadness causes me sadness also. When Rupanuga wanted me in Buffalo, I did not directly confirm it, but I asked him to consult with you. So after his consultation, you have agreed to his proposal and should not be sad at all. But I know the cause of your sadness, that you want me for a longer time there in New York, and similarly, I also want to stay there for a long time because I like New York more than all other cities. This is because my first attempt was begun there, so I have got some affection for your great city. I think if possible you should also accompany me to Buffalo, and if possible, Rayarama may also come with me so that we can stay together at least up to April 22. If you like you can also come with me to Boston. This would be a very nice idea but I do not think your occupations will allow you to come with me and stay for a long time. But the proposal for me to come back to New York from Columbus is nice. I think I shall arrange like that. So there is no cause of becoming sad. Our meeting and separation in the material world is like the flowing tide of the river. During the flowing tide of the river, so many different floating articles meet together, and with the flowing, they again become separated by the movement of the waves. That is the way of the material life. But our separation, although it resembles exactly in the material way, it is completely different. In the spiritual world, separation is more relishable than meeting. In other words, in spiritual life, there is no separation. Separation is eternal, and meeting is also eternal. The separation is simply another feature of meeting.

I think from Columbus I will have to go to New Vrindaban, and after staying a few days there, I shall come back to New York. If there is call from London, I shall go there from New York. About Trinity College lectures, I think I can stay in Hartford for the days I have to lecture there, and the fees may be charged $100 per lecture as the New York City College has offered. I do not know if they will agree to this, but I think we should not make the fees very cheap. You arranged my lecture in the City College on the 8th or 10th of April, and I also requested you in my previous letter that the lecture may be arranged on the 10th, but you have not mentioned anything about this in your letter under reply. In my last letter from Hawaii I also informed you that I shall be able to stay in New York from September till the end of December if there is nice engagement. So you can arrange for the meetings as many as possible from September to December. In the meantime, you may make arrangements for from the 10th until the 15th of April, as you like.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Buffalo 19 April, 1969:

I have also received the checks both for me and Brahmananda.

Letter to Advaita -- Allston, Mass 25 April, 1969:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated April 23, 1969, and I think your deliberation is right. I am advising Brahmananda to submit the manuscripts to Messrs. Dai Nippon under suitable arrangement, and whatever you can all get together for contributing to this purpose may immediately be handed over to Brahmananda for deposit in my book fund account. Your letter is very much encouraging, and it is worth exhibiting to all grhastha disciples, and not only to disciples, but to people in general who are simply interested in the matter of sense gratification. Our members of Krishna Consciousness society should be ideal human beings, and if they try to follow the principles, surely they will be the ideal men in the world.

In Buffalo, we had three meetings, and it was found that the students, both boys and girls, especially the girls, they were very much receptive and encouraging. Please organize the Sankirtana Party very nicely, and try to preach amongst the student community, and I am hopeful that the result will be very great. Brahmananda has taken charge of the sales department, and I hope when he is successful, you will try to open your own press for better production of our publications.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Allston, Mass 25 April, 1969:

Advaita and his press contemporaries have agreed to pay me 10,000 per year for the printing of my books. So you can print at least two books, 5,000 copies each by that money. I hope you have by now settled something with Dai Nippon, and if they have agreed, you can hand over the Second Canto, Srimad-Bhagavatam immediately. There is one copy of Caitanya Caritamrta (No. 18) which is received from Calcutta with Bengali titles. This may immediately be sent to Gaurasundara by mail. You will find it on the shelf in my room. It is understood that MacMillan Company was to pay some hundreds of dollars to Gaurasundara for his design, so I do not know whether they have already paid or not. Anyway, you can immediately send him the above-mentioned book, and the price may be paid from his pay from MacMillan. I am awaiting your letter describing your progress with Dai Nippon.

Letter to Dinesh -- Allston, Mass 25 April, 1969:

I have already acknowledged receipt of your nicely taped kirtana recording. I think that the mrdanga sound should be a little more increase, and the tampura sound should be decreased. When the chorus is chanting in response to the leader, the mrdanga is not very distinctly heard. Therefore, it should be increased. As for when this record will be pressed, I think this should be done as soon as possible, because everyone is already wanting this record. If you cannot get it pressed immediately, then I have asked Brahmananda to arrange for the pressing. I have heard that Dai Nippon Company can give such pressing at a competitive price. The jacket design you have described sounds nice, so you may develop it in this way.

Letter to Govinda, Gaurasundara -- Allston, Mass 25 April, 1969:

I am very glad to learn that Kartamasi is now very nicely dressed. Govinda Dasi is surely a good artist, so I am sure Kartamasi is very attractive. Please offer my obeisances to Him. I am very glad to learn from both of your letters that Jill is now staying there. She is very nice girl and intelligent. So the addition of Balabhadra and Jill to our movement is very much appreciated. Please help them to be Krishna Conscious, and it will be great service to Krishna, and you will enhance your Krishna Conscious beauties by such activities. So far as Gaurasundara's request for Caitanya Caritamrta, I have already advised Brahmananda to send it to you immediately.

Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 28 April, 1969:

Also you can ask Brahmananda to send "TLC" which is now received and it is far superior quality book than anyone is get-up all binding.

Letter to Rayarama -- Allston, Mass 2 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated April 28, 1969, and I was very glad to note the contents. Regarding the IBM Composer, I think Krishna desires to have this machine because printing of our books in Japan is gradually fading due to the Japanese people's changing their words. I understand from Brahmananda that negotiations were going on between $5,000 and $6,000, and now they want to increase the price to $8,000. I do not therefore wish to deal with them. We must find out some other source for printing our books. But one thing, if we can present our composed pages, why not print them in New York? Behind my apartment, 26 Second Avenue, there is one press, Glen Press. Sometimes they printed our Prospectus. So why don't you take quotation from them about printing our books in 8 page sheets or as they can suitably print on their machine. You can immediately go and see the press, and take price, saying that we shall give the composed pages and select the paper also and provide it. What will be their charges for printing four pages or eight pages on one side? That means eight pages a form or sixteen pages a form. Then we can get it printed there and do our own folding and binding. So immediately take quotation for this, either from Glen Press or any other press. Then the problem of printing will be solved. If we can get the printing done in New York it is the best. In the meantime, you negotiate for the IBM Composer suitable for all of our purposes, books and magazines, and I shall ask Brahmananda to pay $600.00 when the negotiation is complete.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Allston, Mass 5 May, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated April 28th, 29th and 30th, 1969, along with the credit note of the Bank, #2880. Regarding the United States Customs, we had been importing books from India, and I do not know what is wrong there if we import books from Japan. So far as publication is concerned, our Society has got branches all over the world. It is written in the book "published by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, branches throughout the world, Headquarters USA". So if we have got branches in Japan and get our books printed there, what is wrong there? I think this complaint has no meaning.

Regarding Dai Nippon's change of policy, I know the Japanese people are very cunning in the matter of business. They can produce things very cheaply and attract customers, but when the customer is in his grip, he does not behave very well. Under the circumstances, I do not know whether it will be nice to select another Japanese printer. The best thing will be if we get them printed in New York as I suggested to Rayarama and also Uddhava. Uddhava and Vaikuntha are very much hopeful for collecting for the book fund, and they have promised that at least $20.00 can be collected daily. Regarding the musical instruments, I do not think there need be any discount on them. So far as sending the book to Gaurasundara, you can send him one copy of Caitanya Caritamrta, and explain to him that out of his $100.00 there is no balance, so he can send the price of that book.

Now immediately you have to send some papers to Syamasundara. in London as follows: the picture of Vaikuntha Loka on one side, and an advertisement of Srimad-Bhagavatam on the other side. Send a few copies of this cover as well as the picture of the Prime Minister meeting me with the Bhagavatam, the recent dust cover of Teachings of Lord Caitanya and Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Syamasundara. requires to prove our bonafideness, and from here I am sending the copies of our certificate. He is expecting something big, so let us hope for his success, although up till now we have been satisfied simply by promises. His address is as follows: 11 Walham Park Road, London S.W. 12, England. As I have mentioned to Uddhava, Murari may stay in New York to help Gargamuni at least till I go to New Vrindaban.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 2, 1969 on your new letter-heading, "Iskcon Books." Regarding the MacMillan Company's printing Srimad-Bhagavatam, we may note herewith that the MacMillan's publication of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and our publication of Teachings of Lord Caitanya is the difference between heaven and hell. If MacMillan Company can invest their good money for publishing our Bhagavatam, they must take the standard as we have presented. The first canto cannot be reduced less than 200 pages. In the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, we have cut short the pages under the instruction of the MacMillan Company, without explaining many important verses. We are presenting a new philosophy to the world against all foolish impersonalist, atheistic, agnostic and all other imperfect philosophies. Therefore we must have sufficient chance for explaining the purports of Srimad-Bhagavatam. So if MacMillan agrees to these conditions, then we can entrust the publication of the Bhagavatam in their hands. Such a big company, world famous publishers, and we are giving them the topmost transcendental knowledge in the world. Why they should become miserly in the set-up and quality of the book?

Regarding Teachings of Lord Caitanya, I am very glad to know that you are hopeful for great success. The stores demand of 40% for at least 4 copies is all right. There are about 1,000 stores in new York at least. So if they take 3 copies each, we immediately distribute 3,000 copies. Similarly in other big cities we can distribute at least 1,000 in each city. There are at least 25 important cities in your country, so in each city, if we distribute at least 1,000 copies, there is potency of distributing 25,000 copies in your country only, and what to speak of other countries, like England or any other part of the world where English is spoken. So it requires only organization; and now that we have a special "Iskcon Books" department simply for the promotion and publication of our literatures, and you also have the help of Nayana Bhirama and Bali Mardan, so the future looks very hopeful. Now you should definitely organize to distribute amongst the stores in the same conditions you have mentioned. Then our publication department will be a grand success. I would always prefer to distribute our books ourselves and publish them ourselves in our own press. That is my ambition, so you try to fulfill this desire of mine. Acyutananda's address is as follows: c/o Caitanya Saraswata Math, Kolerganj, P.O. Dist. Nadia, W. Bengal. Please negotiate with him that he may take charge of supplying and purchasing our goods from India. If he takes charge of purchasing our goods from India and sends directly, then we shall be able to save at least 50% of the cost they are charging at United Shipping Corporation. I have already written to him for mrdangas which are manufactured in Navadvipa, first quality, at the rate of $4.00 each. Similarly, first quality kholes can be purchased from there, utmost at the rate of __ each. Similarly, many other goods, including murtis, etc. he can purchase and book them regularly to our different centers. I have got news from Jaya Govinda that he has already arrived in Hamburg, and it is a great relief for me. Now Acyutananda is adamant to remain in India, so let him do something for our society. So far as starting a center in India, I am now thinking that that is not needed. I am getting inspiration that I need not bother myself in opening a center in India, since I tried for it and have lost so much money in the attempt. You know first of all I sent $100 to Acyutananda for Kanpur center; that is lost. I sent another $100 to the Sevaiti of Radha-Damodara; that is also lost. I sent for publication to Hitsaran $300, but out of that $100 is lost. Then Nippan Banerjea plundered Acyutananda by two typewriters. So in every way I see that I am losing there in spite of having our own men, like Acyutananda, Jaya Govinda, and others there. So I take it as warning from my Spiritual Master not to attempt in India, but rather to concentrate my energy in this part of the world. So let Acyutananda help us in the matter of purchasing and supplying goods from India. From Hamburg, Jaya Govinda has written to give hope that very soon he will publish Back To Godhead in German language, so I am very much encouraged for his assurance.

My backache is almost cured by this time. I don't feel any inconvenience. I am walking as usual, and sometimes I am galloping the hills, defeating the young boys and girls. So don't be worried. I thank you very much for your kindly taking care of me always, especially when I was in Buffalo. The other day there was a question in class, one Indian boy asked me whether I am happy. So I answered him that in India I left my five children, but here, although I came alone, Krishna has given me hundreds of nice children. So I told him to just compare the practical happiness. So I am not at all inconvenienced under the care of my children here.

The Sankirtana Party must always work regularly; that is our life and soul. You have given nice opportunity to Subala das. He is very sober and honest devotee. You are going every afternoon for one hour and that is very nice. Four or five men in the temple for kirtanas is sufficient. The temple is an ideal institution, and people should come to learn, because if they can make every house like our temples, then their lives will surely be successful. Regarding your proposal for contacting a subsidiary publisher, we are prepared to pay the fee or the cost of the production if they can produce our books of the same quality as Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and at the same price. We

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Letter to Sudama -- Columbus, Ohio 8 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your two letters, sent Special Delivery, dated May 5th and May 6th, 1969. I was very much anxious for Kartikeya after receiving the first letter, so now that he is somewhat improved, try to protect him. He is a very nice boy, but sometimes he gets crazy. You should treat him as your younger brother and with kindness. In the meantime, if he wants to go to the New York center, then he can go there, and Brahmananda can take care of him. Or if he wants to go to New Vrindaban, I will be going there soon, and he will be glad to remain with me as usual. But try to keep him from getting upset. I do not know why he becomes at intervals like that. I can only pray that Krishna will save him from this upsetting business.

The proposal that you shall have a cart moving in the Japanese Fair with Deities, kirtana and selling books is very, very nice proposal. If you can get sanction for it, it will be a very nice thing. I thank you very much for your constant and sincere efforts, and surely Krishna will bless you more and more for this. I have received one letter, sent along with beads of the girl, Jill, and I will send them back to her, initiated upon by me, very soon.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Columbus, Ohio 15 May, 1969:

I have mentioned in my letter to Brahmananda, I do not know how I can solve all of these departmental problems if they are all referred to me. It would be better if the department heads could work out such things amongst themselves. Today Kirtanananda Swami has left for North Carolina to take my place in lecturing there at two college engagements. This is very satisfying to me, and I wish that many of my disciples may become expert preachers so they may assist more and more in the great preaching work that we have to do for the benefit of mankind.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Columbus, Ohio 15 May, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 9, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. The first thing is that you must feel well. In whatever condition you should feel well, because if you fall sick, everything will be topsy-turvy. And what you require to be in good health, you know better than anyone else. That is your first business, and your second business is to organize sales in the stores, because the organization of sales in stores will determine our future publications. If we cannot organize these sales, there is no use of printing books and stocking them in our store room. It would be better to hand it over to the MacMillan Company. If they will print our books to the standard of Teachings of Lord Caitanya, we do not mind if they raise the price. That is their business.

If all problems come to me, even personal problems, then it becomes a heavy task for me. I received your letter, full of problems; Gargamuni's, full of problems; Rayarama's, full of problems, and similarly Iskcon Media's, full of problems. If everyone's problems are sent by me, then who will solve my problems? I have divided these departments to solve problems, but if in the end they are all sent to me and I have to tackle, then just imagine what is my position. The best thing would be to stop all activities and simply chant Hare Krishna. Regarding the Doubleday book stores, we do not like to give on consignment, but if some very big stores will take our literature only in that way, then we must make concession.

I hope that by this time your health has improved.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Columbus, Ohio 15 May, 1969:

Now as promised by your group, you have to pay $750.00 for 5,000 copies of Back To Godhead which will reach you sometime in the month of June. Please arrange for it and send the money to New York, to Brahmananda, for clearing the bill.

Letter to Rayarama -- Columbus, Ohio 15 May, 1969:

You have written for me to press the temples, namely London and San Francisco, to send their $750 for the printing of Back To Godhead, but this project should be referred to Brahmananda because he is in charge of dealing with Dai Nippon Company in this connection.

Letter to Rayarama -- Columbus, Ohio 17 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 14, 1969, and I have received a similar letter from Brahmananda also that you are finding some difficulty in keeping pace regularly with the routine work. My advice to you under the circumstances is that at least for one hour you must all go to have Sankirtana outside on the streets or in the park. That is your life and soul, first business. The next business is completing the chanting of 16 rounds every day. The next business is your editing, and if you find extra time, then you can attend the temple ceremonies. Otherwise you can stop these activities, but outdoor kirtana, your editing work and chanting of 16 rounds must be done. Outdoor kirtana must be done, even at the cost of suspending all editorial work. That is your first and foremost business. Temple worship is not so important. If need be, the whole temple can be locked, but the outdoor kirtana cannot be stopped.

Letter to Rsi Kumara -- Columbus, Ohio 17 May, 1969:

I can understand that you are very interested in Sankirtana Party, so you may be in charge of this activity in the New York temple. Because Murari has gone to Boston, I think Brahmananda will feel very much if you also leave, so stay in New York to help in the organizing of New York Sankirtana Party. If you have some time, then help Gargamuni. Otherwise, if you do not like to do it, I do not press you in this matter.

Letter to Brahmananda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your recommendation for initiation of Michael Kaplan, and I have duly chanted upon his beads. Please encourage him in the matter of understanding Krishna Consciousness and avoiding the ten kinds of offenses and following the regulative principles. I have written one letter Mssrs. Atma Ram and Sons in Delhi regarding selling our books, along with other proposals. He has written about the books as follows: "I contacted the local representative of MacMillan & Co. regarding Bhagavad-gita As It Is. They have not heard anything about it and have showed complete ignorance. Moreover, in the catalog which they possess, your book has not been mentioned. I am certainly interested in the sale of this book and would like to know your terms and conditions for the same." I do not know why MacMillan Company has not mentioned about our book in their Indian catalog. Anyway, he is interested to sell our books because it is written by me, so you do the needful. Ask Mr. Wade why their representative is ignorant of this publication. This Atma Ram and Sons was selling my Srimad-Bhagavatam at 40% discount. So you should open correspondence with them, giving reference to their letter #IKP, dated May 2, 1969, and signed by Ish Kumar Puri, Manager. Also send them one dust cover of TLC, and offer them the same commission so that they may, forward order to you, and you can supply them. Also inquire from them if they are interested in being the sole selling agency in India. In this case, they must purchase at least 500 books. If not, they can help us by sending a list of leading book sellers in India who can help in selling our books. Upon receipt of such list, you can open correspondence with these booksellers. Previous to this I wrote you that when you come to bring my tape recorder, but I don't think there is necessity now because here Hayagriva has got a tape recorder which can be used when I wish to make copies.

Letter to Mohini Mohana -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969:

Brahmananda, Rayarama, as well as Purusottama have all spoken very highly of you, and I am glad to send you the enclosed beads, duly chanted upon by me. Your name is Mohini Mohan, which means the Enchanter of the most beautiful. Srimati Radharani is the most beautiful, and She always enchants Krishna, but at the same time, Krishna is always the Enchanter of Radharani. This reciprocal attraction of Radharani and Krishna is the basic principal of Lord Caitanya's philosophy. Please try to understand nicely through our books and magazines. Follow the four principles of regulation and avoid the ten offenses. Have Brahmananda explain these to you. By following these principles in Krishna Consciousness surely you will be very happy.

Letter to Brahmananda -- New Vrindaban 26 May, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 16, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the Gaudiya Mission letter of Dr. Syama Sundar Brahmacari, I have replied asking them the terms of cooperation which he has mentioned. Let us see their terms, although it is a hopeless business. Still, as you know, I never become hopeless in any case. So I am negotiating with them to see how we can cooperate.

Regarding your request for a kirtana musician, we don't require anyone who is very musically talented. Here in New Vrindaban Hayagriva has organized very nice kirtana party, and they are singing and chanting thrice daily very, very nicely. So I think you are the best mrdanga player, and similarly you have Rsi Kumar, Madhusudana, Uddhava, as well as others, so if you think all of you are deficient, I can send you a tape recording teaching playing techniques, and you will learn from this. You have got another devotee, Mohini Mohan, Purusottama's friend, and Purusottama says he is a musical master, so utilize the talent you have got and surely your propaganda will be successful and more men will come. It is in the same way that I came here with only one pair of cymbals, and now there are hundreds of cymbals going on. So Krishna will send us men; gradually as we qualify ourselves everything will come.

Regarding San Francisco payment of BTG dues, whatever they can send now is all right. The balance will be sent by Dindayal, so they must fulfill their quota. Then when they get the magazines everything will be adjusted. Mukunda also will pay. Don't be discouraged, go on with your work. After all, Krishna will pay. I have seen the letter from Professor Hopkins, and you can tell him that I have accepted his offer, provided nobody shall smoke before me, specially when I take the class.

Please convey my blessings to the other devotees. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. When you come please bring my Indian Lota made of brass.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Moundsville 31 May, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated May 23, and May 26, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the manuscripts of the First Canto, Hayagriva will send you a few chapters immediately, so you may do the needful with the MacMillan company. So far as the Exposition Press is concerned, this man is another Mr. Kallman. He wants to print himself and distribute himself, and when he'll print he'll charge $15,000 instead of $5,000 or $6,000, and he'll charge 40%-50% for distributing, and with condition that if they are not sold the books will be returned to you. The net result is if we give him the printing charges, he will spend $5,000 and charge us $15,000, immediately making $10,000. So far as selling is concerned, he promises to sell, but he is unable to so he returns the books. That is his policy and the reason he does not give straight answers. Once I talked with him, so I can understand his dealings. His disagreement with the design of TLC means that he wants to do this himself and charge. So I don't think we can trust this man.

Regarding sales of TLC, you should try to get it reviewed, do not spend money needlessly on advertising. You have got experience already advertising Bhagavad-gita, so unless the book is reviewed, there is no question of advertising. You should send reviewing copies to first class papers for review. Also, you may arrange for some respectable persons to review the book and then submit this review to the various papers for printing. You should try for this. Generally, it is the policy of every paper that they review books as soon as it is given to them. That is one of the items of journalistic policy. So far as distributing the books, no consignment should be given. That is very risky. Let them purchase one copy, two copies, three copies, as they like, but no consignment. Let them take one copy and take the scheduled commission. So similarly they can distribute and take the money. It is all right if the store would like to exchange our forthcoming books for the copies of TLC they have not sold, and it is all right for their money to be returnable, but don't take consignment. That is only false sale, or no sale. Try to get the book reviewed. Otherwise newspaper advertisements will have no effect.

I have already informed you in my letter of May 26, 1969 that I shall accept the invitation of Franklin and Marshall College. The Bhagavad-gita test you have written is very nice. The questions are all very good. Rayarama's negotiations with IBM is not yet final because similar negotiations are going on here with Pradyumna. So whichever one is easier we shall accept. I am pleased to note that you will be coming here to New Vrindaban, and when you come you may bring with you the Radha-Damodara Temple File which is in the closet near my room in a box. All of my books and files should be kept very securely.

I am very anxious to know about Sadanandini, but this misunderstanding by rascals about a Krishna conscious person is always there. Hiranyakasipu understood Prahlada as crazy, and he tried to put him in so many forms of Bellevue organizations amongst the animals, amongst snakes, amongst fire and poison. Even Lord Caitanya, His relatives thought of Him as crazy. Therefore I wrote the essay, "Who Is Crazy?" Anyway, try to save the girl, and if she likes, she can be married with Candanacarya. She will then be in charge of a good husband, so if the marriage is settled, they should take a regular marriage certificate, and then they should come here, and we shall perform our mode of marriage ceremony.

Regarding BTG, if you think it is better to not have the books sent to London directly, that is all right, but then you will have to pay the shipping charges to London. But unless you need more than your own 5,000 copies, why not let them try to sell what they can, and then if necessary, they can send to you their remaining copies. Or else if they are sure they cannot sell a sufficient part of their order of 5,000 then what they can sell may be shipped to them from Japan, and the difference will be added to our shipment of goods from Japan. Regarding Atma Ram & Sons, you may offer terms as you have on your rate sheet, and when you correspond with any seller, the terms is cash and delivery. That is generally understood unless otherwise arranged.

I shall be very happy to see you again when you come here. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Patita Uddharana -- Moundsville 31 May, 1969:

I am sending along with Candanacarya some old editions of our Back To Godhead Magazine for you to bind. I wish to have bound each year's editions of BTG. Thus, there should be one book with all the 1966 issues, one book with the 1967 issues, and one book with the 1968 issues. If possible, please have these books sent along with Brahmananda when he comes here to see me in New Vrindaban. I understand that you have bound two of my Srimad-Bhagavatam's, but there is no necessity of sending them here immediately. When I need them I will call for them.

Letter to Pradyumna -- New Vrindaban 16 June, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 11, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. You may immediately arrange for purchasing the machine. Make a contract, and I have advised Brahmananda to pay you the $503 when you need it. So when the transaction is completed, immediately call Brahmananda and he will pay you.

Letter to Steve -- New Vrindaban 16 June, 1969:

The process of turning to Krishna you are seeing practically everyday because you are now staying in the temple. You chant Hare Krishna; 16 rounds daily, follow the regulative principles, read Bhagavad-gita, and help your Godbrothers push on this movement as far as possible. I understand from Brahmananda that you are a very sincere boy, and now you are helping by working in the kitchen, preparing Krishna prasadam. So continue in this way and attend Sankirtana Party as much as possible; this will help you to advance without any doubt. When questions arise, you consult Brahmananda or the other older Godbrothers and they will help you. Of course, if you would like to question me upon some point, I am always at your service in this connection. So practice Krishna Consciousness very sincerely and surely Krishna will bless you. I hope this finds you in good health.

Letter to Rupanuga -- New Vrindaban 16 June, 1969:

Now you may please send as many nice photographs of your Sankirtana activities as possible to Brahmananda for publication in Back To Godhead. In each issue of Back To Godhead there shall be sufficient pictures of our Sankirtana Movement with descriptions. I have advised to follow this policy rigidly.

Letter to Jadurani -- New Vrindaban 17 June, 1969:

I thank you so much for your encouraging letter, and I am so pleased to learn that the center is doing very nice propaganda work in Hawaii. Now you send to Brahmananda as many photographs as possible of the parading and the other chanting engagements. It will be the policy of our paper now to print as many as possible photos and articles of our own activities.

Letter to Muralidhara -- New Vrindaban 17 June, 1969:

I have also seen your Krishna-Balarama picture and it is very nice. These pictures you are drawing for our Festivals in Los Angeles may be nicely colored and photographed and sent to Brahmananda for publication in BTG.

Letter to Pradyumna -- New Vrindaban 20 June, 1969:

It is all right to have the changes made on the two type fonts because it will be suitable for our purposes. I have already written you a letter that you have to maintain the machine. That means the monthly installments shall be arranged by you, and the cash down shall be paid by me. I have already advised Brahmananda in this connection so you can do the needful.

Letter to Jayapataka -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:

Please arrange to take nice photographs of your Festival activities as well as of your other kirtana activities. We wish to print many such photographs in our Back To Godhead, so take many pictures, and send them to Brahmananda in New York.

Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 24 June, 1969:

The pictures you formerly sent are going to be printed in BTG. I have advised Brahmananda of this and have delivered him the pictures.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 27 June, 1969:

The nice pictures you have sent have been dispatched to Brahmananda for publishing in Back To Godhead. I have given instructions that in Back To Godhead the pictures of our activities and short descriptions should be more and more published. So continue to send such pictures as you have already sent.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1969:

From your statement, it appears that you do not expect to do anything with BTG after #29, because it is in the hands of he (Brahmananda). I cannot follow what you mean by this. Everything is Krishna's business. It is not my business, nor Brahmananda's, nor Hayagriva's. It is the business of Krishna, and we want to serve Him in the best way.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 1 July, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated June 28, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. The circular you have sent to the presidents and members of ISKCON is very nicely drawn, and please follow the principles. All students should be encouraged to write some article after reading Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and Teachings of Lord Caitanya. They should realize the information, and they must present their assimilation in their own words. Otherwise, how they can become preachers? So far as Sankirtana Party is concerned, as many pictures as possible should be published each month. The pictures are very attractive to the customers also. Acyutananda should also be asked to send pictures, as many as possible, of the many Visnu temples in India for publication in BTG. BTG should be full with our own articles, and there is no need for articles by outsiders. So far as ads are concerned, only our own books should be advertised; nothing else.

Your proposal to keep my apartment by arrangement with Mr. Chudy by the residence of Vaikunthanatha there is very nice. If this is done, I shall be pleased. So far as my goods are concerned, they must be packed in trunks with inventory taken of where each item is being kept. For the time being, you may send me immediately from my book-shelf #6 (SB, Cantos 4, 5, and 6—a red book), #48 (Websters Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary), and the black bound typewritten manuscripts of Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta. I hope by now you have received the key from Purusottama, which I think is for the closet door. There are some important files in the closet. One of them is for the Radha-Damodara temple. That file contains many important documents. That should be kept very carefully. Immediately I don't require it, but I shall send for it when it is needed. When Gargamuni comes, or if Rayarama is coming, then the tape recorder, as well as the suitcase with my clothings may be sent.

Now the $600 which we have saved from the ISKCON PRESS establishment may be invested in improving our New Vrindaban scheme. I am writing to Hayagriva to transfer the property in the society's name, and I have already talked with him. So far as my books are concerned, work with great enthusiasm to print, sell, and bind them in cooperation with the other boys. I am glad that Gargamuni is coming here to improve his business in cooperation with Tamala Krishna. This is nice, and I have full approval.

Letter to Yamuna -- Los Angeles 3 July, 1969:

A special Vyasa Puja issue of BTG may be done, and you may open correspondence with Brahmananda, because publication of BTG will now be conducted by Iskcon Book Dept., and BTG will be under the supervision of Brahmananda and Hayagriva. Rayarama das Brahmacari is called by me to live with me here to engage in editorial work, so you may correspond with Brahmananda in this connection.

Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 5 July, 1969:

I hope you have by now received one circular from Brahmananda in which it is stated that you are all requested to write articles of Krishna Consciousness as you have personally realized it, and also send as many pictures as possible of Sankirtana Movement for BTG along with short descriptions.

Letter to Bhurijana -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969:

I remember that when you were in New Vrindaban with me you took some photographs with your camera. Please send these pictures to Brahmananda in New York for our Back To Godhead. In future issues we will be featuring many such photographs of our activities.

Letter to Subala -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969:

I have information from Brahmananda that last month they collected about $2,400.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 2, 1969, and I thank you very much for it. Regarding your proposal for soliciting members, this is not a good proposal. We tried for membership in the beginning, and it was not successful. Collection by Sankirtana Party is the best process, along with selling our books and magazines by organized sale. But you can advertise for membership, and when somebody inquires, you can give him your chart for membership. But do not advertise it. You can simply invite people that we invite all sincere souls to become our serious members. I am enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Kair, which may be published so people may know what is the practical advantage of becoming a member of this society.

You are correct that Tamala Krishna's endeavor is very successful, and we should cooperate with him fully, and other centers should follow the same principles to make it successful. Recently, Tamala Krishna has sent Madhudvisa to San Francisco to organize the temple there, and as soon as he had gone there, the Sankirtana collection has become raised from $17 to $70. So in this way we should help all the centers, and in the future both you and Tamala Krishna, assisted by the others, should be the main guiding stars of the society. You have written that you have given $350 to India, but I do not know why. Do not send any money to the United Shipping Corporation, because last time we advanced $500, and it has become a pinprick to realize it. I think you have sent a letter of credit, but no direct payment should be sent to them.

I understand that Krishna Das has sent a ticket for my going to Germany on the 25th of June. I do not know where is this ticket; I have not received it. Anyway, I think I shall be going to Germany after the San Francisco Ceremony, via New York. I understand the ticket is from New York to Luxembourg, so I think from San Francisco I shall go to New York, and from there I shall go on to Luxembourg. If you have received the ticket, please let me know. Regarding MacMillan, if they will not print our Bhagavad-gita As It Is in hard bound then why not publish our own edition of the book, enlarge and revised hard bound? We cannot be checked by their decision to print or not to print our books. The paper bound copies may be taken from them, and then our own bookbinders can turn them into hard bound editions by pasting the cover on cardboard only. In this case, MacMillan should give us special concession. Anyway, the best thing will be to arrange

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Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles 11 July, 1969:

Now Brahmananda and yourself are a good combination. Try to organize our book selling department very nicely. That will be great service to the society and to the people in general. The books we are publishing are completely novel to the Western world. We are explaining the science of devotional service in so many ways, and Srimad-Bhagavatam especially is unique literature that the people in general should try to understand. I have got an ambition to finish the Srimad-Bhagavatam in the same way I have already done, so try to help me as far as possible to finish this high project. If we get return from the Iskcon Book Department, then we shall be able to publish all of our books very quickly. So Brahmananda and yourself will be a good combination, and Krishna desires that you should do it exclusively.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 11 July, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letters dated July 7th and 8th, 1969, and I beg to acknowledge receipt of your check for $2,000. Regarding your price quotation of $5,850 for printing soft-covered editions of TLC, Uddhava once quoted me a price of $3,500 for 10,000 copies without binding. Does it mean that for binding we have to pay more than $2,000 extra? In that case our men can bind it. Why should we pay extra if our men can do it very cheaply? Here in Los Angeles also I have been looking for printers who can do our books and magazines. I will let you know if there is any good result. Regarding New Vrindaban, immediately there is no program for investing in New Vrindaban until Hayagriva transfers the property in the society's name. But there is another program: Bhaktivinode Thakura desired that American disciple would come to Mayapur to take advantage of the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I wanted to make one American home there, and I asked for a piece of land there from my Godbrother, Tirtha Maharaja. He has simply acknowledged receipt of my letter, and there has been no other reply as of yet. In the meantime, Acyutananda has given hope of purchasing land there. If we purchase some land, it may be that some American people will construct a nice temple there and a home for American visitors. So what is your idea if we purchase some land there? But if we do something there, it must be done very nicely. Otherwise it will be an insult to your people who are so rich. People must go there to see the American home and the American devotees. That is my idea. I shall be glad to know your opinion about this. Regarding the straps on the mrdangas being tightened, I am training Purusottama das Brahmacari in this connection. Let us see if we can manage this problem by ourselves.

Letter to Murari -- Los Angeles 11 July, 1969:

I have heard that you have mentioned to Brahmananda that your temple will contribute $3,000 dollars for my book fund. This is very good news for me, and try to send it as soon as possible.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 13 July, 1969:

Your article is very nice and gradually you shall improve. Go on writing. It is my policy to publish as many as possible of articles by my disciples. BTG should contain news of our temples, articles, pictures of our activities, etc. The bunch of pictures you have sent have been forwarded to Brahmananda for publication.

Letter to Vibhavati -- Los Angeles 15 July, 1969:

So why not write nice articles of this philosophy as you have assimilated it? This will be a very great service because we are now converting BTG to exclusively contain articles by my disciples and myself, along with many pictures of our Sankirtana activities. So if you can write some words about Krishna consciousness and send them to Brahmananda in New York, that will be very nice engagement for you.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 15 July, 1969:

Send all detailed pictures to Brahmananda for publication in BTG. If possible, invite some Indian press representatives to report to the Indian papers how the Vedic culture is being accepted by Americans and Europeans.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 16 July, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter, one undated, and the others dated July 12th and 14th, 1969. Regarding the house on 43rd Street, I think you have made the correct decision in not taking this place during the summer because now you have so much Sankirtana activities to devote your energy to, and things are improving gradually as you are now performing your activities. So now you devote your time to Sankirtana Party and the Book Department. I have been taking price quotations from various printers in Los Angeles, and it does not look very hopeful at all that they will be able to compete with our other prices from New York, so as you have requested to be in charge of all aspects of our book publication, I think you are very qualified for this, so please do it very nicely with the help of the others. Regarding your plan for advertising membership in BTG, that is nice. I do not see how we can insist that all members must follow the four regulative principles, but this is certainly our recommendation to anyone who is serious about pursuing Krishna Consciousness.

So far as United Shipping is concerned, there is no use of us now utilizing letters of credit, because they are now accustomed to dealing with us more suitably. So they should now send documents through the bank, and we shall pay for them upon receipt of these documents. That will be the best means of dealing with them now. Regarding BTG, if London is unable to sell as much as we had expected, then don't have them sent directly there from Japan anymore. As they require you may dispatch their order to them. I understand that Hawaii is a very nice place for selling BTG, so you may open correspondence with Gaurasundara to see if he can purchase 5,000 copies monthly for $750. If you can increase the number of copies to 25,000 monthly, that is the nicest idea, and then you will get 25% less for discount on these extra 5,000 copies. We want to distribute as many issues of BTG as possible, so the more you can print and distribute, the more my Guru Maharaja will be pleased to see His Great Dream being fulfilled. Regarding our boys doing the binding work on the books, if there is only saving of less than $800, then I think that they shall be able to collect more funds by begging. So which ever way will be more practical you should do it. But I think if the boys can make the same or greater amount by collecting on the street and by working, then they should continue in this way. I am surprised to learn that some of Krishna's money, $250, was misplaced and was found by you simply lying around. So from now on no money should be kept where it will be misplaced. Better is that all cash money should be deposited immediately in the bank so there will be no chance of losing it. This Sankirtana Party and our Book Department are very, very important; they are our right and left hands, so everything should be done very carefully and in remembrance that this is Krishna's business that we are executing. Because we are doing Krishna's business does not mean that we should be less careful, but it means we should be much more careful than someone who is performing activities simply for sense gratification. So instruct the boys in that way.

Regarding land in India, I am corresponding with Acyutananda in this connection, and let us see how things develop. There is no need of you corresponding with him directly in this connection. Gargamuni has arrived here safely yesterday, and already he and Tamala Krishna are making plans to open 108 centers within a three year period. So I very much appreciate how my disciples are taking this movement to their heart of hearts, and are working very sincerely to propagate it. Another thing is, you may negotiate with the First National City Bank where I have got my account as to how we may start an account in their Calcutta Branch in the name of our International Society for Krishna Consciousness. We are doing so much business with India now, so if we can manage payment in American dollars, it will prevent all difficulties with the Reserve Bank. So please do this and inform me of your activities in this connection.

Please convey my blessings to the others, I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 18, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am pleased to note that under your direction Bali Mardan, Jayadvaita, Rsi Kumar, Candanacarya, Nayana Bhirama and Joel Chalson are all working very nicely. It is a good combination, so make this combination stronger and improve it. You write to say that the Printing Department has $3,000. Does this mean $3,000 including the collection from selling TLC? In my idea the softcover edition should be printed by realizing money from the hardcover edition in which you have already invested $6,000. That should be our business policy. I wish to know how much you have collected thus far by selling TLC hardcover. That amount may be invested in printing softcover edition. Or if you think that the softcover edition will have immediate good sales, then we can invest the extra amount. I do not think that putting the advertisement on the cover as you have mentioned it will be very good. Everything should be exactly like it is, with the addition of the index. But the cover, the printing and the paper should be exactly as they are in the present edition. The price for the softcover copy should not be less than $2.95. Another thing is that if MacMillan Co. has decided to not print our Bhagavatam, then this also will have to be printed by ourselves immediately.

I have received the copies you have sent of BTG no. 25 and no. 26. They are nice, but I notice that in no. 26 the first article does not have any adjustment for the margins. I do not know why this is. Your idea of changing the cover border to blue is nice. Black color should not be so prominent on the cover. Blue, red and yellow should be given. You have suggested that on every back cover there will be a picture of me in BTG, but I think a better proposal is that on page one or page three you may have a picture of me one month, then Guru Maharaja, then Gaura Kisora das Babaji, then Bhaktivinode Thakura, then Jagannatha das Babaji, then Lord Caitanya. This will be very nice, showing the Guru Parampara. Regarding the trip to Argentina, if it is not possible, then forget it. But do not be misled by the man who is described in your letter as "like Mr. Payne". If someone's character is doubtful, we should not associate with him and get into trouble.

Regarding opening a temple in Washington, you may consult with Tamala Krishna about this. He is planning to have a center opened in Chicago. I would prefer to have a branch opened in Washington as you have suggested, but consult with Tamala Krishna to discuss. The best idea is if both centers are opened at the same time. Regarding London's order of BTGs, unless they pay then the shipment should not be sent there. Let them order and sell as they are able to do.

Regarding the Printing Department. I have already informed Advaita that Los Angeles will not be good for this purpose. Immediately we should print the softcover edition of TLC, and then we shall see about opening our own press. So far as the technical machinery is concerned I think Advaita should be in charge. For selling and layout work your department will do it under your able direction. This arrangement will be nice.

I am enclosing a picture of Gaura Kisora das Babaji for printing in BTG. You may also print pictures of great acaryas in our line, such as Ramanuga Acarya and Madhvacarya. I have not yet heard any word from Germany about my going there, so this program is not fixed up at present.

Please convey my blessings to the others. I hope this will meet you in very good health.

Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969:

When you have questions you should consult with Brahmananda or the other devotees, and if you like you may ask your questions to me.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 24 July, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 21, 1969, and I have noted the contents with so much satisfaction. Enclosed please find the three cards duly signed by me. Last evening when I was in the temple to perform initiation ceremony for about one dozen devotees I was talking to Tamala Krishna and Gargamuni that Brahmananda is now competing with you. So it was very pleasing talk that there is transcendental competition between the centers, and it is Krishna's Grace that you stand first in this week's business. Krishna is very kind, and He is giving the full remunerations to His sincere servants. We should always remember that Krishna is always grateful to His devotees. If some ordinary man gives sufficient remuneration to a worker, why Krishna will not give sufficient remuneration to His servants? But we should always remember that whatever Krishna gives us, that never becomes ours. It is Krishna's. The more we receive from Krishna, the more we engage the remunerations in the service of Krishna. That is the duty of a bona fide brahmana. A Vaisnava is automatically a bona fide brahmana. There is a proverb that a brahmana remains a beggar even if he receives $100,000. That means that a brahmana is supposed to spend all of his money for Krishna as he receives it from Krishna.

I am so glad to learn that you have increased the number of BTG's to be printed. It is very nice. I was just this morning asking Purusottama to inform you of increasing the publication of Issue #26 because the article, "Beyond the Universe," is very interesting. In the present atmosphere of space exploration this kind of article will be much appreciated, and people will know that we are not sentimentalists. Our background is solid, scientific and authorized. Actually, the modern astronauts are trying to reach the moon planet, and even if they reach there they cannot live there; and even if they live there, that is also not permanent. But our ambition is far, far greater, nobler and more sublime than these astronauts because we are trying to reach the Supreme Planet, Krishna Loka, and live there eternally in association with Krishna. Krishna has also advised in Bhagavad-gita that even if we go to the topmost planet, Brahma Loka, still we have to come back again. But if we go to Krishna Loka, there is no coming back to this material world.

The questions as put on Bhagavad-gita, Third Chapter, are very intelligent and I like it very much. I am very much anxious to hear about Rayarama. It is my confidential advice to you that if he feels any difficulties for money, you may discriminatingly help him, and he should continue as the managing editor. Full cooperation should be there between you and him. We simply wanted to save the money for some better utilization. Otherwise we have nothing to grudge against anyone.

New York is the biggest city in the world, and therefore the standard of New York should be maintained in consuming BTG and giving us contributions. Our first starting point was New York. Please convey my blessings to the others. I hope this will meet you all in good health.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969:

If you feel inconvenience to pay for my travelling from Los Angeles to New York, it doesn't matter. I shall ask Tamala Krishna or Brahmananda and they will be glad to pay for it. So this is not very important consideration. You wanted to fix up a date, so I am telling you that I am prepared now on any day you call me.

Letter to Subala -- Los Angeles 31 July, 1969:

Perhaps you have heard that Brahmananda has already made arrangements to increase the number of copies printed from 20,000 to 25,000. This is all very encouraging, so continue to increase your sales of Back To Godhead as far as possible. You are a serious worker, and Krishna will reward your efforts with success.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 1 August, 1969:

I have learned from Brahmananda that he is increasing the number of BTGs to be printed from 20,000 to 25,000 copies per month. So there is much potential for selling these issues to the many people who are gradually taking more and more interest in our movement, and please organize your sales there to increase at a steady rate.

Letter to Brahmananda, Advaita -- Los Angeles 7 August, 1969:

As you have probably heard by now, in Boston they have a big house which they are purchasing, and they are anxious to have more devotees move there. My idea is that you may immediately make plans to start our printing department in Boston now. There are two large halls in their house, and one of them may be utilized as the printing department's. I have already written to Satsvarupa to invite Advaita, Vaikunthanatha, and their wives to go to Boston for beginning this operation, and similarly, the others may go now or when they are required. The first project will be to print Teachings of Lord Caitanya in soft cover edition. So instead of spending money to have this printed outside, we can utilize the money for starting our own press in Boston. You may contact Satsvarupa immediately to make definite arrangements in this connection.

Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 16 August, 1969:

I do not know why you want to subscribe to the Gaudiya paper. Rather you ask Brahmananda to send them a copy in exchange of our copy. But their behavior is not at all satisfactory. We are sending our BTG in three places and they haven't got even the etiquette to send even one almanac.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969:

We are now growing in size, therefore, for general administration if you will act conjointly amongst the presidents, that will be a great relief for me. Besides that, you are doing editorial work of my books so you have to correspond directly with me. I never meant that about editorial work also being referred to Brahmananda. I understand that you had some meeting amongst the East Coast presidents of the centers, and I shall be glad to know how you decided to work. I have not heard anything about your joint decision.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969:

Regarding Krishna, formerly you were sending me the transcribed copies as early as possible, and if you continue the same process, then I shall also send you the tapes consecutively. I think this book with pictures by Jadurani will come out a unique publication. I shall be glad to know if the pictures can also be printed in our own press. That is also a very important thing. I am very glad to learn that Brahmananda, Advaita and others have gone there and you are doing the needful. If you think my presence will further help in this connection, on hearing from you I shall immediately go.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969:

P.S. Tell Brahmananda that press __ at New Vrindaban is most impractical at the present moment, because there is transport difficulty. For the time being first of all organize the Boston center very nicely & then we shall divert our attention elsewhere. We cannot diffuse our attention in many things all at a time.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 27 August, 1969:

I am pleased to inform you that our journey from New York to Hamburg was very comfortable, and we safely arrived at the scheduled time. The boys were present to receive us, and the apartment they have selected is very nice. I am sending herewith a letter addressed to Hayagriva. The second part of the Ginsberg conversation article should not be published, and our policy should be to only publish our Krishna Consciousness articles in various forms. We are not concerned with any other movement save and except Krishna Consciousness in its pure form. In India it is said that a little bit of a pure thing is much better than huge volumes of impure, adulterated things. So please try to follow this policy and publish in BTG only pure Krishna Conscious articles.

Regarding press starting, I have already given you necessary instructions, and again I say that you complete it as soon as possible. I wish to see the press is started when I go back to USA after my European tour, probably in the beginning of November. I received a note from one girl, Gita Rajput, and I am enclosing it herewith for your reference. If she comes to decorate in the temple, encourage her because a little service to Lord Krishna will protect one from the greatest calamity. That is the version of Bhagavad-gita.

I think establishment of the Deities here will not be possible because the place is not very settled up. There is objection by the health department for performing kirtana. Anyway, they are doing very nicely, and in Monday's meeting one Dr. Franz Bernhard, a learned scholar in Indology, was there, and he is very interested in our movement. Yesterday I had discussion with him for about two hours and he is impressed, as you will find I have explained to Hayagriva in his letter. Please note also the items I have requested Hayagriva to bring here when he comes.

I hope you are doing well, and I shall be glad to hear good news from you by return of post.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I have got now connection with a firm dealing in musical instruments in Delhi. I think they are better than Dwarkin and Sons

P.S. Hand over to Hayagriva the enclosed letter. I didn't know where else to send it to him.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Hamburg 27 August, 1969:

So I think in the future you will have to take charge of managing BTG in consultation with Brahmananda when the press will be started in Boston.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 30 August, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th August 1969, and I have noted the contents. Regarding Hayagriva and Satsvarupa, I think they can become joint editors, and articles to be published in BTG may be jointly decided upon. In case of disagreement the matter should be referred to me, and I shall give the final decision. When Hayagriva comes here I shall talk with him in detail. So your idea of them working jointly is nice.

I do not know what you mean by cooperation with Kirtanananda Maharaja. In our society everyone, either a brahmacari or sannyasi or grhastha, who has dedicated his life and soul for this movement, they are all on the same level of sannyasi. For the present moment, nobody can claim an extra honor from his Godbrothers. Everyone should treat his Godbrothers as Prabhu. But nobody should try to claim any extra honor on account of an official position. I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja says that his authority overrides yours. At the present moment everyone is working under my authority. Similarly, Kirtanananda also should work under my authority. So the condition imposed by Kirtanananda as stated by you does not look well. A sannyasi has got four stages of elevation: kuticak, bahudaka, parivrajaka and paramahamsa. The sannyasa in the paramahamsa stage is the Spiritual Master of everyone. I have asked Kirtanananda Maharaja to work on the bahudaka stage for the present. I discussed this point with him when I was in New Vrindaban. This stage means he should move amongst people to draw their attention to the New Vrindaban scheme and try to attract their attention for its development. So he should immediately begin this bahudaka program and collect money from outsiders, not from insiders. And as he is in charge of New Vrindaban, he may invest all such collection for the development of New Vrindaban, and before this Hayagriva must transfer the property to the society's name. So far as investment of the society's money for New Vrindaban is concerned, certainly it will be done in New Vrindaban, and not only the money which Kirtanananda Maharaja collects, but also, if need be, any center will invest money. But that investment should be in proportion to food and salt. To make it more tasteful, one adds salt to his food, and similarly, every center should be independently developed by supplying the food, and the society, if required, will supply the salt. For the present, all energy should be diverted to start a nice press for our publication work. So there is no extra money for the society to invest in New Vrindaban. Neither you can spare any money to anyone without my permission. Whatever you possess now in funds, that is not your personal money, so how can you execute the request of Kirtanananda at the present moment? I think you will understand the matter rightly and do the needful.

Regarding publication of BTG No. 29, it is good that you are publishing "Morphology and Ontology of Vedanta" by Guru Maharaja, 4 pages. So far as "Heroine Govinda Dasi" is concerned, if she has stated directly Ram Krishna as nonsense and rascal, that should not be indulged in. We cannot attack anyone directly in writing. There is a proverb in Sanskrit that you can speak something one thousand times, but don't give it in writing. Similarly, we may use some strong words against all this nonsense, but if we write it in black and white, that will not be good. So instead of naming these rascals directly, you change the word to "mental speculators." I am very glad that you are arranging to print 20,000 copies of Isopanisad immediately. Please do it. Krishna will give you all strength to fulfill His Mission by Your sincere efforts. Thank you very much.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Please send my snuff pot when Hayagriva comes here. I could not get the __ snuff here.

Letter to Satsvarupa, Brahmananda -- Hamburg 4 September, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letters dated August 31st, 1969, as well as the telegram dated September 4th. By the telegram, I understand that by Krishna's Grace it appears to be settled up, and you can continue your proceeding, chanting always Hare Krishna. He will always give us protection. I am very anxious to know about Uddhava's condition of health. May Krishna protect you all.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Police must give us special protection on account of threatening.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 5 September, 1969:

I understand that you want to open another branch of Spiritual Sky in Boston, but Gargamuni has written to me that he does not like the idea. I think we should not do anything which may be business competition between centers. Business is in one sense very dangerous allurement of Maya. If they are doing it nicely on the West Coast and supply the necessities of the East Coast, there may not be another competitive organization. Then this example will be followed, and some other center may like to open another branch. I am just trying to hand over the whole management in the hands of my devotees, but if there is some disagreement in the management, then the whole thing may not go well. I think therefore, unless you all agree to open another branch in the East Coast, it should not be done. You have got enough business in the East Coast, especially in the books and the press matter. I do not think you should divert your attention in any other matter. Yesterday we held Vyasa Puja Ceremony, and it was very nice. I shall take the opportunity now to thank you for the nice booklet you have had printed and for the part in this booklet written by you. After all of the reading was finished, I explained how service and prayers are accepted by Krishna through the medium of the disciplic succession. It is something like electricity: if one is in touch with his Spiritual Master, and his Spiritual Master is in touch with his bona fide Spiritual Master, then in this way an offering is automatically transferred to Krishna. Just as the Mercy of Krishna is coming down through the disciplic succession, so the service of the devotee is offered up to Krishna through the disciplic succession.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Hamburg 8 September, 1969:

Regarding Brahmananda's letter, I have asked him not to open Spiritual Sky business on the Eastern Coast, and a copy of the letter is enclosed herewith for your reference. I thank you very much for the contribution you have made of 300 dollars to my book fund, and the Sankirtana table is also very encouraging. Regarding the order of 12 mrdangas that you have suggested I discontinue, I have already done this, and the letter to Indo Crafter is enclosed herewith in carbon copy along with a copy of the invoice. Regarding United Shipping Corporation's shipment of Srimad-Bhagavatam, I have advised the bank in Vrindaban, and it will be all right. So far as one half of this shipment going to Los Angeles, I will speak to Brahmananda about this. But one thing is you must stop this fighting between brothers. Otherwise the whole program will be spoiled. Yourself, Tamala Krishna, Brahmananda, Satsvarupa—you should do everything combinedly. That is my request. Gradually, by Krishna's Grace, we are expanding. So if amongst ourselves there is friction, it will be very dangerous. So after my return to the States I shall make it more firm so there may not be any dissension.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 9 September, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 6, 1969 and the new issue of BTG. I am pleased to learn that the house transaction is finished, and I shall be glad if you send a copy of the conveyance deed to the London address, where I am going the day after tomorrow. The purchasing transaction has been done on Janmastami Day, and this is also a great occasion. Regarding your anxieties how to pay the rent, etc., in the winter season, I think Krishna will provide with sufficient press work and some of the boys may work also. In this way we have to manage. Your remark that Advaita may have to do a lot of commercial work to help the temple during the winter is right. Whenever there is spare time we can earn money by outside work. We shall fully utilize the press facilities in various ways. My suggestion to meet the business men is to convince responsible men of your country to understand the importance of this Krishna Consciousness Movement and how we are molding the character of younger generation by giving them peaceful home, philosophy of life, artistic sense, musical entertainment, nutritious foods: and above all these, we are giving them spiritual enlightenment, which is never to be found elsewhere throughout the whole world. Every gentleman in your country is anxious about their children, and gradually if the richer section of the people or the government cooperates with us, we can expand this movement for total welfare of the younger generation. This calculation is only one side of the picture: The other side of the picture means the solution of the eternal problem. Even though people in general may not be able to understand it, the fact is there. So in winter season this propaganda may be done. Some very responsible man may be selected to preside over a meeting, either in the temple or in some rented private hall, if the meeting is to be very big. In this way we can try to invite the so-called important people of the society and try to convince them about the importance of this movement.

Regarding the outlaws, why police protection is not there? Does it mean that in the United States if somebody is threatened, he will have no state protection and must submit to the atrocities of the outlaws? Our point should be that we shall take all necessary steps for self-protection, depending the result on Krishna. We should not idly sit down simply depending on Krishna. Arjuna had to fight in the battlefield, but at the same time he heard Bhagavad-gita. Our motto shall be like that. Neither we shall fight alone, without Krishna Consciousness, nor we shall give up all possible facilities in Krishna Consciousness.

Regarding BTG no. 27, it is nicely done, but there is no mention of the words "Back To Godhead" on each page. Why this mistake has been done? Besides that, some of the headings, like "Parts and Parcels," are not very prominent, while at the same time there are many places where empty space is found. If some space is available, the heading should be broader. Henceforward, we shall try to avoid the Beatles or hippy's articles, because they have no spiritual importance.

Yes, I have received the Vyasa Puja book in due time, and it is very nicely set up. Yes, the date was wrong, but it doesn't matter. It has come out timely: that is excellent. Regarding introduction to Isopanisad, please let me know the deadline for me to send it. Don't bother about the items I asked you to send with Hayagriva. I have instructed Hayagriva to work as co-editor with Satsvarupa, and he is now completely a surrendered soul. So conjointly make the appearance of BTG very nicely. The front cover page should be a nicely painted picture. You write that Jadurani is now painting wonderful pictures, so pictures by either Jadurani, Muralidhara or Devahuti should be given on the front page. The present front page picture is not very attractive as they were in last issues. A first class picture should always be given on the front page.

I thank you very much for your appreciation of my book, Krishna, and you all enjoyed it on Janmastami Day. You write to say that each book I write is greater than anything written previously, but I must also inform you that each book you print is nicer than the previous printing. Two books, Bhagavad-gita As It Is and TLC, both are practically done by you, and the TLC has come out in printing art better than Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Similarly, I hope when you will print Nectar of Devotion and Krishna in our own press, it will come out better than TLC. So I will give you better writing and you will produce better books. In this way there will be competition in the service of Krishna. That is very nice. On the whole, I am very much pleased with the getup of TLC, and I hope in the future all our books may be printed at least to that standard. I am very much encouraged to learn that Jadurani is painting very nice pictures, and all of them can be utilized one after another to come out on the front page of BTG. Later on, when we print Krishna, they will come together. In issue No. 27, the marriage pictures have come out super-excellent. They will give nice teachings to the people of your country how we are harnessing the confused younger generations under the protection of Lord Visnu. Uddhava has also written a very good article, and I appreciate this very much.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 14 September, 1969:

You write in your letter of September 10th that you have not received my replies, but I reply each and every letter. Especially your letters, Brahmananda's letters, Satsvarupa's letters and Gargamuni's letters I take special care and reply each of them. I hope by this time you have received my reply.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 16 September, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated September 13rd, 1969. Regarding the press purchasing, it must proceed on, and Krishna will help you. Don't worry. I understand that you require approximately $14,000 out of which Advaita has $4,500 and you have about $5,000. The balance may be asked from Tamala as the house we are contemplating to purchase is untouchable by us on account of too high price. So Tamala can spare the balance money for the press at the present moment, and when the house will be actually purchased, Krishna will provide us with the money. Anyway, don't be discouraged. Whatever deficiencies will be there, Krishna will supply you, and if there is actually any deficiency, please let me know and I shall send you a check for that amount. I think this will be all right.

In the meantime, I am sending herewith my pass book for the First National City Bank. You go to the bank and make it up and let me know what is the balance there. You can simply let me know what is the balance and the passbook may be kept with you carefully for depositing in my book fund regularly.

Your report that book sales are not very satisfactory is not very encouraging. if it is not selling well in New York, why not dispatch to other centers for distributing? The United Shipping agency has dispatched the books as I understand, and on receipt of this you will kindly let me know how many full sets of Bhagavatam are there. Then I shall instruct you to distribute them in different centers on hearing from you.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 19 September, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two letters dated 10th and 11th September, 1969. Regarding the letter to the Punjab National Bank, that is already written, and the copy is enclosed herewith for your reference. Regarding the court case in Boston, a certified copy of the judgment should be taken. This will help us in many ways. If there is any copy of the statement of Nanda Kisora available, that should also be taken. There is a Mantra that says mukam karoti vacalam pangum langhayate girim. This means that by Krishna's Grace a dumb can speak like Demosthenes, and a lame can cross over the mountain. Krishna's Grace is so glorious. So if we remain faithful in Krishna's service, there will be no difficulty in speaking when ever it is necessary. There are many instances in the history of devotees of this, and even five year old boys like Dhruva and Prahlada were able to speak so nicely. I have seen the pictures of your kirtana sent by Sacisuta, and they are all marvelous. Please print them in BTG. All Sankirtana photographs should be collected, and one after another they should be printed in BTG. So far as printing part of the Krishna book in BTG, that is also very nice. Regarding my account with First National City Bank, I have already sent you the Pass Book, so if it is convenient to move to the branch where the society has got account, that is all right. There is no difficulty in changing the branch, but I wish to keep the account with the First National City Bank. When I receive the forms from you, I shall sign it.

I am anxious to know what has transpired with the MacMillan Company so far as printing the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam is concerned. Here in London things are going nicely, and I am enclosing a newspaper clipping of the reception at the airport. Last Tuesday night, we had a very successful interview on a popular BBC television program. There is immense potency for our movement in London, and I wish that at least four or five centers may be started in England of this Krishna Consciousness Movement. Perhaps you have heard that in Tokyo already there is encouraging news from Sudama about the people there responding nicely, and similarly, two new centers have been started in Laguna Beach and Colorado. So it is all Krishna's Grace that the young people of the Western world are gradually responding to our preaching work. I hope this meets you in very good health.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 22 September, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 13rd, 1969, and I am so glad to learn that you will not fight with Brahmananda. Brahma means "the Great", so even if you fight, then it will be physically impossible to come out victorious. But one thing I see is that you are coming out victorious in the matter of sales organization of the books. In one of the letters of Brahmananda I understand that the book selling organization there is not very satisfactory. Therefore, I am very much glad to read the circular letter issued to the temple presidents, and I shall be glad to know how you are getting response.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 22 September, 1969:

I am enclosing herewith one copy of the letter of the MacMillan Company sent by Brahmananda to me, and you seriously consider the whole situation along with Tamala and let me know your definite opinion what to do.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 22 September, 1969:

I beg to thank you for your letters dated September 17th, 18th, 1969. Regarding the Rathayatra articles, Purusottama has sent you the article for San Francisco Festival, and by tomorrow most probably Gurudasa will send you an article about London Festival. So far as MacMillan is concerned, I have written to Gargamuni. Gargamuni is organizing book-selling, and perhaps you have received his memo to all temple presidents regarding selling our literature. So I am consulting with him before I finally decide about the MacMillan Company. But MacMillan's letter to you is not very encouraging. I have received the bank slips you have sent to me, and I hope by this time you have received the passbook. On hearing from you I shall advise you for changing the account to another branch. Regarding the length of the First Canto manuscript, you may write to Hayagriva, who is now in New Vrindaban. On the reverse side is a nice article of our arrival in London which was printed The Sun, a very popular English paper.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 28 September, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 23rd, 1969 along with the press proof copy of BTG #28. It is nice. Everyone here liked it. Simply the mistakes which you have already admitted may be corrected in the future. That is to say the headline should be broader and each page should mention the words "Back To Godhead". I think from next issue the editor's and co-editor's name should be mentioned: that is Hayagriva and Satsvarupa. At least officially there must be the editor's name there. I think that is required by the press act. You have received my letter dated 16th September, and I hope by this time you have made up my passbook in the bank. I am very much anxious to know the credit balance in my favor up to date. Regarding transferring my account to another branch, I think a simple letter to the present branch will be sufficient. When I transferred my account in the Bank of America from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I simply sent them one letter and everything was done. If you think that changing the branch is necessary, then I shall send them one letter on hearing from you. In the meantime, please let me know what is the correct credit balance in my favor.

Regarding MacMillan's letter, I have forwarded the same to Gargamuni and Tamala for consultation before final decision. I have not heard anything from them till now. If the matter is urgent, you can consult with them and whatever you all decide, that is my decision. Now, gradually I am trying to hand over the management to the reliable hands of my disciples, and you should all work by joint consultation, without any friction. Now, by the Grace of Krishna, we are expanding and we must work in such a way that our society may stand a solid institution. In this connection I shall request you not to circulate all my letters that I address to you. Letters are sometimes personal and confidential, and if all letters are circulated, it may react reversely. I have already got some hints like that with letters I sent to you regarding Kirtanananda and Hayagriva. So in the future please do not circulate my letters to you. All my letters to you should be considered as confidential, and if you want at all to circulate, you just ask me before doing so. I am glad that Dayananda has gone to electrify the press nicely, and things are going on smoothly there. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tittenhurst 28 September, 1969:

I am so glad to learn that you have so quickly improved the center by the Grace of Krishna. So conduct business very carefully and cautiously. When Krishna gives us opportunity, we should never misuse it. I am confident that you and Himavati are very considerate. So you arrange things in such a nice way that the center improves more and more daily, as Tamala is handling in Los Angeles. If you deal with the students cautiously and carefully, many of them may embrace this Krishna Consciousness Movement, and even a few of them turn to Krishna Consciousness on account of your endeavor, Krishna will be so much pleased upon you and bestow His benediction. So you can keep the extra money in the bank carefully, and whenever there is excess money, you can spare it for the book fund and press organization, which I have taken now very seriously. So far as I understand, to install the press there is about a $5,000 deficiency.* Brahmananda informed me of this, and I have assured him that he should not worry, I shall try to manage for it.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tittenhurst 28 September, 1969:

I am so glad to learn that you have so quickly improved the center by the Grace of Krishna. So conduct business very carefully and cautiously. When Krishna gives us opportunity, we should never misuse it. I am confident that you and Himavati are very considerate. So you arrange things in such a nice way that the center improves more and more daily, as Tamala is handling in Los Angeles. If you deal with the students cautiously and carefully, many of them may embrace this Krishna Consciousness Movement, and even a few of them turn to Krishna Consciousness on account of your endeavor, Krishna will be so much pleased upon you and bestow His benediction. So you can keep the extra money in the bank carefully, and whenever there is excess money, you can spare it for the book fund and press organization, which I have taken now very seriously. So far as I understand, to install the press there is about a $5,000 deficiency.* Brahmananda informed me of this, and I have assured him that he should not worry, I shall try to manage for it.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 1 October, 1969:

Regarding the photographs of the pictures I have asked you to take, yes, these should be of very fine quality for being published in our Nectar of Devotion and Krishna book. So far as the size is concerned, this you must consult with Brahmananda, because he is in charge of setting up the books. The picture by Devahuti which was in my room will be printed on the cover of Nectar of Devotion, so Brahmananda must decide if this picture will cover the entire front cover, with the title printed on top of it, or if there will be some space allowed for the title on an upper margin, as was done in TLC.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 3 October, 1969:

Replying your letter dated September 28th, 1969 and October 1st, 1969, I beg to inclose herewith a check for $4,000 in favor of Iskcon NY, and the copy of the letter addressed to First National City Bank is also sent herewith. So you can utilize this check in the matter of press. I shall talk with Tamala what money he has or hasn't got. In the meantime, the transaction may not be delayed, and therefore I am sending this check for $4,000. I hope this settles up the press question. Regarding New Vrindaban, last time I advised Hayagriva to wait transferring the property till the lease amount is paid in full. It is understood that he saves $700 per year on account of his being in the lease holder's name. So he has to pay $500 per year, but he is saving $700 from his income tax. Under the circumstances, I think that why should we pay this $500 per year from our pocket? Better it is paid from this $700 saving from income tax. So we may wait the transfer of the property till the stipulated lease amount is paid in full in the above way. Then the property may be transferred to the society's name. This is one thing. Another thing is that just at the present moment I do not think the society can invest any money in New Vrindaban, for the reason that we are starting this press, and until this press is all established I do not wish to divert my attention to New Vrindaban. Another difficulty is that nobody is staying in New Vrindaban. Even the boy Hrsikesa has left, and recently I received on letter from Ranadhira that Hayagriva and Kirtanananda are also not there. New Vrindaban is now in charge of Ranadhira, so on the whole people are not being attracted. In your next president's meeting you can consider these points. Tamala is trying to purchase some very nice property in Beverly Hills. The project is to establish there a nice Iskcon library to attract the richer class of men in that area. I do not know how far we shall be successful in this attempt, but if we are successful in purchasing a property there, it will be a great stride for our propaganda work. It is understood that the most selected persons of the Western world, both Europeans and Americans, they live in that quarter of Los Angeles. So why not a center there? That is the contemplation.

Regarding MacMillan, I think the matter is already settled up and we have all decided to get Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto, published by them. So do the needful. Whatever you will decide together, that is my decision, and I have already informed you in this connection.

You will be glad to know that our center in Tokyo, a few miles away from the capital, in the city of Kyoto, is already established. I think you are in correspondence with Bali Mardan Prabhu. I am so glad to learn that immediately they have become self-sufficient by collecting in the kirtana program. This is very encouraging.

I am sending herewith the signed bank papers as requested by you. When you get the new passbook from the new branch you can send it to me by registered post, or if it is necessary you can keep it with you in safe custody. I am forwarding a letter I received from Gopinatha in Philadelphia, and you can do the needful. I have already informed you that there is no necessity for you to send the mango slab at present.* If it is required, I shall inform you in my next letter. In further reference to the press, do you have any plan for printing our BTG there also?

Please offer my blessings to the others. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*please send mango slab. Just learned it is not available here.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Tittenhurst 8 October, 1969:

I beg to thank you very much for your letter dated September 24th, 1969 and have noted the contents carefully. I am so glad to learn that you liked that picture which was printed in the London newspaper, and I have got the original of this picture, given to me by the reporter. If there is somebody there who could paint it, then it may be sent to Los Angeles. Regarding MacMillan, I have already asked Brahmananda to make the arrangements complete for publishing the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam. So far as supplies from India are concerned, Ranjit Mullick will be able to supply you with these. You may open correspondence with him, and the copy of his letter along with my reply is enclosed herewith for your reference. It is settled up that he will purchase from the best sources and charge 10% on the purchase price. So you can ask him for the purchase invoice, and that will be nice. First of all ask him to send samples. Then begin business. Unless you are satisfied with the price and sample, don't put any order. Acyutananda is very simpleton, and it is very easy to cheat him. That is the past experience. I have seen the label for The Spiritual Sky and it is very nice.

Letter to Dr. Sham Sundarji -- Tittenhurst 8 October, 1969:

I shall remind Brahmananda about your "True Conception of Religion", and you will be pleased to know that we are starting our own press in Boston in our own house.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 13 October, 1969:

I understand that you have sent $1,000 to Brahmananda for the press instead of $5,000. So I have completed that $5,000 by sending him another check for $4,000. Whatever you have done is all right, but if you have taken anything from the book fund, you may replace it as soon as possible.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 15 October, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 12, 1969 and have noted the contents. Regarding your question about Mantra 12 of Isopanisad, the verse as it is, is correct. The Absolute means Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan. When the Absolute is realized hazily it is Brahman. When the Absolute is realized more clearly it is Paramatma. And when the Absolute is realized distinctly it is Bhagavan. So Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan are different phases of the Absolute Truth. But the Bhagavan aspect of the Absolute Truth is distinct from everything. Those who worship the Brahman and Paramatma aspect of the Absolute Truth are in a dangerous position because they have every chance of again falling down into the lowest regions. This is because they are not fully purified, and the least trace of contaminated desire can cause havoc to one's progress. Just like one lit cigarette can cause a whole house to burn down, so incomplete knowledge of the whole Absolute Truth may not be able to save one from going to the darkest regions of ignorance. Isopanisad says that such persons who accept Brahman or Paramatma as the final word of God-realization will be "still more" condemned. This is because they are offenders of God and are very stubborn to accept the Supreme Personality. If one refuses to progress to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then he is sure to fall down again into darkness. The worshippers of the demigods at least have fear of some higher personality, and that may eventually develop into fear of the Supreme Personality. But the impersonalists think that everything is Brahma, everyone is God, therefore they can do whatever they want; and that is a still more dangerous position. I think this will clear up the matter for you.

I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

PS: Isopanisad means "the knowledge that leads nearer to Krsna." I am returning herewith the Gita Press book you sent me for the Sanskrit Text. It is nice.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tittenhurst 15 October, 1969:

I have heard also from Brahmananda that he plans to spend 3 days per week at Boston, but I have also heard that during his absence 3 devotees have left the temple. So things should be managed so nicely that our devotees may not leave us.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

I have already informed Tamala Krishna in my letter dated 13rd October that I have sent Brahmananda a check for $4,000, as he wanted $5,000 and you have sent $1,000 and Subala has sent him also $500. So the extra money that you have got now you can deposit to my savings account. The book fund collection may be deposited in my savings account, and a monthly statement may be submitted how much is deposited in that account.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

Different Godbrothers took the words of Guru Maharaja in different interpretations for sense gratification and the whole mission disrupted. This is still going on for the last 40 years without any proper settlement. I am always afraid of this crack, but I am sure if our aim is to serve Krishna sincerely and the Spiritual Master simultaneously, that will be our success. That means serve Krishna and the Spiritual Master simultaneously with equal faith and serious vow, and then success is sure. Yourself, Gargamuni, Brahmananda and the others are intelligent. You should always deal things so tactfully that people may not fall away. Every living being is important in Krishna Conscious service, and we must take all precautions that one may not fall away.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

Regarding movement of the members from one temple to another, I think the local president's permission is sufficient. Don't take too much load of individual administration. That will be unmanageable in the near future. I have also instructed Brahmananda in this way. I have also advised Brahmananda to ask for monthly reports, and similarly you may ask for monthly reports. That will be easier.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 27 October, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated October 18, and October 20, 1969. Regarding Isopanisad, enclosed please find the glossary that Satsvarupa has sent to me for making corrections. From now on all of our writings should be presented in the scholarly manner, so all spelling and diacritic marks must be done correctly. I have already sent you the corrected page which you sent me and now the glossary is also corrected. I do not think there is any necessity for any dedication on Isopanisad because it is a small book. Regarding the number of BTG which you print during the winter months, that must be decided amongst yourselves. Similarly you should decide about what is to be done with the North Carolina center. I have no objection if they move to some other place. Perhaps they will require some other nicely trained brahmacari to give them assistance either in North Carolina or some other place. So decide amongst yourselves what is to be done and do the needful. This is management. You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away. That is the first business of management. I have already explained the matter to you and Tamala, so you do it consulting amongst yourselves, gradually coming to the general governing body for managing the whole affairs. At the present moment whatever you are doing is all right. Regarding New Vrindaban, the society does not require to invest now. Kirtanananda is managing. That is all right. So far as Rayarama is concerned, let us wait till he satisfies his Mayic business.

The poem sent by Acyutananda is nice. It is enclosed herewith and you may publish it in BTG. Acyutananda should be encouraged to do this translating work. He is translating poems of Bhaktivinode Thakura, and that is very nice. Advaita may be requested for the estimate for 10,000 copies of Krsna on the standard of TLC. There will be about 350 pages of subject matter and 50 pages of pictures. Please offer my blessings to the others. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 30 October, 1969:

Regarding management of the society, I have already described this to you in letters to Brahmananda and yourself. So far as the maintenance fund is concerned, that may be sent to me directly.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tittenhurst House, England 31 October, 1969:

The only thing is that we as preachers must be very, very pure, sincere and serious. The crude example is that when a man is physically very strong, and if he has sex intercourse with a woman, she is sure to become pregnant. When pregnancy fails, it is due to the weakness of the male partner generally. Similarly, if we are full with Krishna vitality, then wherever we go the audience will be impregnated with Krishna Consciousness. Now some of our leading boys, like you, Brahmananda, Tamala, etc. you should be very careful to train your other junior Godbrothers to the right type of preacher, keeping full faith in Krishna and the Spiritual Master, and executing the routine works of chanting and following the regulations. That will make you all great preachers, and wherever you go you will come out victorious.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 5 November, 1969:

I will keep the court documents in your file. Regarding BTG printing, I have already written to Brahmananda that this must be printed in our own press.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 5 November, 1969:

I have already written to Brahmananda that we shall not accept outside work. That will complicate our situation as a tax-free organization. Brahmananda wrote me that Advaita wants to purchase a wagon, but I don't think the press department will require a wagon just now. You have already one bus, so money should not unnecessarily be spent up. For the present the idea may be suspended, and when I come to Boston I shall see if it is actually needed.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 7 November, 1969:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated November 4, 1969 along with BTG #29 and the new edition of The Peace Formula essay. They are both very nice. The BTG will be complete when the headings of the essays are bolder and on each page the name of Back To Godhead is printed. The titlehead on the front cover is quite suitable, and the picture in the front page is exceedingly beautiful. I showed it to Gurudasa and he remarked that it is super-excellent and he expects it to sell very well because of this picture. I think similar pictures from Western centers should be printed. The New York Sankirtana Party is also super-excellent. I am very much pleased to see all these pictures and our magazines gives information to the people that we do not stick only to the cities, but we train people in the remote villages also. So everything should be done very attentively and amicably. I am writing a letter to Hayagriva that he should take care of composition of our books. Please find a copy of this letter enclosed. If you decide to go to Columbus, that is all right. Everything should be done very amicably. I see that in The Peace Formula pamphlet that there is advertisement for TLC and Bhagavad-gita, but there is no mention of Srimad-Bhagavatam. I think that in the future this also may be advertised. What about MacMillan Co.?

Letter to Hayagriva -- London 7 November, 1969:

Things are going on nicely in every department, and it is very encouraging. But as I have already told you, your first business is to see about the publication of my books. I have already advised Satsvarupa and Brahmananda in this connection, and they will take the necessary care for it. I want to know if Nectar of Devotion is coming along at proper pace.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 14 November, 1969:

Regarding Brahmananda, I do not think he may divert his attention to Boston activities. So far I get report from Tamala Krishna, New York is not in proper condition. New York is the most important center, so things should be arranged there very first class. Brahmananda is leading very nice Sankirtana Party in New York, so that should be organized more and more. I shall write to Brahmananda soon. In the meantime, if you meet, you can also say to him. So far as press management is concerned, do you think Brahmananda's presence is required? Or will Advaita and Uddhava be able to do things? So far as I get report from Tamala, the press arrangement is now in due order trough the endeavor of Advaita and Uddhava. So Tamala Krishna will correspond with you in this connection. In the meantime you can send me the production cost of Krsna as described above.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 15 November, 1969:

I thank you for your letter dated November 11, 1969, but the check which you say is enclosed is not found. The best thing will be that when you want to pay me you can ask your bank to transfer the amount to my account at the First National City Bank, #0420160131. When you want some money from me, I will do the same. So there will be no difficulty. Please find out why the check is missing. Regarding your request for your deliverance from the clutches of Maya, please rest assured of being delivered, because we have captured the strong chain of disciplic succession. This chain is coming down from the highest platform, Krishna. Just like a rope comes down the well so that anyone who may catch the rope from any position is sure to be delivered; so our aim should be to not give up the rope. We must capture the rope very tightly. Then our deliverance is assured. so far as I am concerned, in relationship with my disciples who are so kindly cooperating with me in the matter of my rendering service to my Spiritual Master, for them I am always ready to come back from Goloka Vrindaban, if they are not delivered along with me. So don't be worried about the clutches of Maya. Be fixed up in your determination and go on serving the Supreme Lord, Krishna, with determination as you are already doing.

It is very nice to learn that both you and Satsvarupa have highly praised Tamala Krishna. Similarly, Tamala Krishna has also highly praised you and Satsvarupa. This attitude should be maintained amongst your Godbrothers. That will elevate us more and more to the top of devotional service. This is called Vaikuntha attitude. In the Vaikuntha factually there is no fault in anyone, but there is another type of competition. The competition is that one devotee thinks of other devotees how nicely they are serving the Lord. In the material world the attitude is that everyone likes to think that I am doing better than others. This is material conception. In the Spiritual Sky it is just the opposite: Everyone thinks that my contemporary devotees are doing better than me. We are trained to address Godbrothers as Prabhu, which means Master. This means we shall try to find out always the serving side of our Godbrothers. Sometimes there are misgivings, but that we should try to overlook. One of my big God-

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Letter to Harold Torf -- London 15 November, 1969:

You are rightly placed by Krishna's Grace under Brahmananda, and you try to follow his instructions. As soon as he will recommend, I shall initiate you; most probably when I return to Boston. Your picture shows you are a very nice boy, promising to become a good Vaisnava in the future. Krishna has sent you for being taken care of by us, so we shall do our best. You also kindly try to follow our instructions. Regarding Omkar, you may know that Om is the impersonal sound form of Krishna. Those who are unable to utter immediately the Sweet Name of Krishna, they are recommended to chant Om. Just like a child is taught to make a particular type of sound, and thus he learns the name of father, mother and other relatives. That is the beginning. So in the beginning, Om is the right vibration of transcendental sound, and the meaning is to address the Supreme Lord. Our business is directly with the Supreme Lord. Impersonal feature of the Lord is just like the illumination of the lamp. The lamp is the more important thing. You will gradually understand all these features of the Absolute Truth if you read Bhagavad-gita and adhere to the regulative principles. If there is difficulty in understanding, you consult with Brahmananda, or still further you send your inquiry tome. Thank you very much for your letter.

Letter to Advaita -- London 19 November, 1969:

Also, you mention that there is some lack of management, but I do not know why this should be since Brahmananda, yourself, and the others are there.

Letter to Advaita -- London 23 November, 1969:

Practically you are in charge of the press department, but is is better to form immediately one press committee. consisting of you, Satsvarupa, Brahmananda, or whomever else you like, and do it nicely.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 25 November, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 21, 1969 and noted the contents. The dummy BTG #30 Special Rathayatra Issue is very, very nice. Regarding the printing order, I think henceforward you should publish 50,000 at least and they may be distributed as follows: 20,000 to the East Coast, 10,000 to the West Coast, and 20,000 to the others (Middle States and other countries). The idea is that BTG is our backbone of Krishna Consciousness propaganda, and since you have taken charge from Rayarama's hand, certainly it has improved in so many ways. Recently I have received one letter from Rayarama which he has signed his name to as "Raymond". That means he has drifted from our society completely and his letter is very discouraging. He has accused everyone save himself. So I do not know what can be done with him. In the Bhagavad-gita we understand from the 16th Chapter that when a living entity becomes envious of Krishna, he is put into the darkest region of material existence, exactly in the same way as when a citizen is disobedient, lawbreaker, he is put into the prison cells. So this is nature's way beginning from Krishna, and one has to undergo such stringent regulative principles of material nature in such disobedient position. So I have not replied that letter; I have got it in the file. When I return to Boston, if you like, you can see it.

Regarding press management, I have already informed Advaita that you should immediately form a press committee. composed of yourself, Satsvarupa, Advaita, etc. and manage things carefully and nicely. When we have got our press, we must properly use it, always praying for Krishna's Grace. I do not think Satsvarupa can be overburdened with any further work. He is working outside, editing also, and looking after other business. But combinedly you can do very nicely. Also, the New York center must be entirely under your vigilance.

I thank you very much for your check. I have sent today by registered post the passbook and signed papers to Great Jones Street Branch for transferring my a/c from Grand Street. Next time you can simply advise ISKCON a/c to transfer to my a/c. Prior to receiving this letter, I received one letter

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Letter to Pradyumna -- London 27 November, 1969:

The next point is centralization of our publication department in one place. Krishna has given us now a nice press in Boston, and you are now free from your job, so it will be very nice if you and your wife move to Boston conveniently. As you have written that Brahmananda has almost agreed to pay for the machine, so you have no anxiety. We have already discussed about purchasing another machine.

Letter to Steven Hebel -- London 6 December, 1969:

So the way for you to increase the capacity of receiving Krishna's Mercy is to chant Hare Krishna regularly, at least 16 rounds per day, to associate with devotees of Krishna, and to follow the rules and regulations. In this connection Brahmananda and the others will be able to give you good guidance. My request to you is that you stick with this process sincerely, and I am sure Lord Krishna provide all facilities for your advancement. I shall be returning to Boston around the 21st of this month, and I hope you shall come to visit me at that time.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 10 December, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated December 4, 1969 and December 6, 1969. So far as transferring $1,400 to the account of ISKCON, I have done it immediately. The copy of the advice to the bank is enclosed. Please note down my account number there which is now transferred to the same branch on Broadway. So when convenient you also transfer in the same way so there will be no difficulty of exchanging money. Regarding the Franklin and Marshall College, as you have desired that it is a wonderful opportunity for me, so that I may be able to write in seclusion while my elderly students may manage the society affairs, that is a very welcome suggestion. So you can accept the proposal immediately. Besides that, I see that Professor Thomas J. Hopkins and the students of the college are very much eager to hear from me, so I must fulfill their eager desire, even there is some inconvenience. But I hope if I get a nice apartment with heating arrangement, there will be no inconvenience. I am also pleased to note that they are going to purchase my books, 30-35 sets. That is a great boon for us. If we can introduce our books in these colleges and universities, it will be great prestige for the society and myself also personally. So let us do this business as an experiment.

Another thing, I have received a great complaint against the United Shipping Corporation regarding supplying goods to our Hawaii branch. So pending inquiry, you should not forward any order to them, and if you have got any money due from them, you should try to adjust by taking goods from them immediately. Regarding BTG, I am so glad that you are printing 50,000 copies henceforward. I have received also your press management report, so the only thing to be amended there is that all books especially must be twiced edited, once by Satsvarupa and once by Hayagriva. In every publication house all printing matters are edited at least three times. So we should be very much careful about grammatical and printing mistakes. That will mar the prestige of the press and the institution.

In your previous letter you told me that Mr. C.L. Jaipuria visited our temple and he paid $10 as contribution and you also presented him with one TLC. Since then, did you write any letter to this gentleman? I know this gentleman has a charitable disposition of mind, and he can help us in so many ways. Try to keep in touch with him by sending magazines and writing letters. He may be able to supply us many things from India, especially Deities.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 13 December, 1969:

Yes, you can expect us on the 21st December, Pan American Flight #55, arriving in Boston at 3:40 pm. Purusottama has already written to Brahmananda about procedures for our tickets, so you may immediately consult with him in this connection. I am glad that you are corresponding with Hayagriva, and when I come there he may also come.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 15 December, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with enclosures of one check for $60 and one bank receipt for $500. From the Book Fund this month I have spent a very large amount: $5,400. I have given two checks to Brahmananda, and Brahmananda has also sent me one check for $6,000. So this kind of transaction, printing of books and BTG and collection by selling, is very encouraging to me. Although there may not be any balance left, when we see we have so many books published and so many copies of BTG, that is our pleasure.

Letter to Jayagovinda -- Boston 25 December, 1969:

I am so glad to receive your letter dated December 17, 1969, and I can understand from the spirit of your letter that Krishna is fixing you in a particular type of duty which you may welcome for your benefit, for the movement's benefit, and for the benefit of the people in general. Yes, you secure an IBM composer and utilize it fully. Let Mandali Bhadra translate our magazines and books, and in the IBM machine you compose it, ready for being photographed and printed. You send the ready matters to Boston, and they will print the magazine without any price from you. The cost of the printing will be balanced by keeping some magazines here for sale; so in that way your center will not have any botheration for paying the price. The balance magazines will be sent to you by ship, and you clear it, sell it, and pay for the monthly installments of the machine. This is the general arrangement I have thought about, without any monetary botheration for any of us. Simply we have to render service. Similarly, you invite such reading matters form Suridas in the French language. You compose it and send the matters for printing here, and in the same way things will be balanced, and the magazines in French language will be sent to Paris and they should partly pay for the IBM machine. I am sending a copy of this letter to Suridas, as well as to Brahmananda for future guidance, and you immediately begin the work. In the same way, if Mandali Bhadra can translate my books also, you can help the German composition and get the books in the same way. This is my theoretical proposition, and I am sure that if you follow, it will come to be fruitful.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Boston 29 December, 1969:

As advised by George I expected his remittance last Monday or Tuesday, but failing to receive it, I advised Brahmananda to contact you on the phone. He tried four times, but could not do so. I wanted to send the order of Krsna to Dai Nippon, but as I have not received any information of the money, I have not sent the order as yet.

Page Title:Training of Brahmananda dasa (Letters, 1969)
Compiler:MadhuGopaldas
Created:25 of May, 2010
Totals by Section:BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=143
No. of Quotes:143